12 matches, 12 goals make a drab AFCON



Only 12 goals were scored at the conclusion of the first round of matches in Cameroon 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ten goals in 12 matches may suggest that the defence lines of the 24 teams in Cameroon are tighter than those of Egypt 2019 when the 24-team format was introduced. Or, could it be that the attackers aren't getting as much supplies as required?

In 2019, the 24 teams on parade struck 27 times in total in the first set of matches, an average of 2.25 goals per match, unlike this edition's one goal per match.

The opening match of  Cameroon 2021 produced the highest number of goals; the hosts coming from behind to beat Burkina Faso 2-1.

Since then, there have been nine lone goal wins plus two barren results.

Among the goalless outcomes was the most shocking - Sierra Leone denying defending champions Algeria victory.

The other was that of Sudan against Guinea-Bissau.

It then means that there is no indication of the teams that will progress to the second round.

In Groups B, C and F, two teams each are on three points, while the others are without a point yet, meaning that the table may turn quickly.

Matchday 2, which commences on Thursday, offers exciting fixtures including Senegal versus Guinea and Gambia against Mali. Each of these sides won their opening fixture.

And they may also be second round qualifiers from that day. If Cameroon beat Ethiopia, for instance, they are through to the knockout phases.

The same situation applies should either Senegal or Guinea win, and Morocco plus Gabon triumph on Friday in Groups B and C respectively.

Nigeria in Group D, Côte d’Ivoire in Group E and both Mali and Gambia will also go through if they win their games.

Two teams from each of the six groups will be joined by the best four third placed sides in the Round of 16.

Thursday fixtures
Group A: Cameroon v Ethiopia (5 pm), Cape Verde Islands v Burkina Faso (8 pm)

Friday fixtures
Group B: Senegal v Guinea (2 pm), Malawi v Zimbabwe (5 pm)
Group C: Morocco v Comoros Islands (5 pm), Gabon v Ghana (8 pm)

Saturday fixtures
Group D: Nigeria v Sudan (5 pm), Guinea-Bissau v Egypt (8 pm)

Sunday fixtures

Group F: The Gambia v Mali (2 pm), Tunisia v Mauritania (5 pm)

Group E: Côte d’Ivoire v Sierra Leone (5 pm), Algeria v Equatorial Guinea (8 pm)

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