ANGOLA VS MALI AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS 2010 LATEST ODDS AND TIPS

We have the opening fixture of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations today and we're all expecting a blockbuster of a match. The hosts have held firm in their 11/8 price while their opponents have drifted to a 3.0 listing overnight. The match was considered much closer yesterday and I think this is to encourage a bit more backing on Mali. I don't consider them as having a real chance at this one, but if they can get off to a great first 20 minutes then anything can happen, really. 
Ladbrokes is featuring a few dozen markets on each African Cup of Nations match and you'll find plenty of betting options available. Also, be sure to take advantage of Ladbrokes stat centre- they've got all the important details you need to handicap tough International matches featuring players you may not be too familiar with. 
I think this one could get off to a slow start, and that's why I'm backing Draw/Angola in the half-time/full-time market. That's trading at around 4/1 right now and it's a solid bet. 
The bookies seem to be favouring a low-scoring affair and that's fairly agreeable. 1-0 may be a bit too slim in terms of the odds (1-0 to Angola pays 5/1) and 2-0 pays a massive 9/1- that's high for a 2-0 correct score. If anybody hits 3 goals in this fixture, you're looking at a massive payday. 3-0 to Angola pays 25/1, 3-1 pays 20/1 while 3-0 to Mali pays 28/1 and 3-1 pays 20/1. 
Manucho and Flavio Amado are favoured to score first for Angola, boasting prices of 5/1 and 6/1 while Mantorras and Love trade at 7/1 and 8/1, respectively. Ze Kalanga trades at 11/1. 
For Mali, they'll be looking to Fredi Kanoute at 5/1 who looks the only really plausible goalscorer, aside from Seydou Keita, who trades at 9/1. 
The odds are very good on a penalty being awarded and score in this match- it's trading at a mere 2/1. Should a team be awarded a penalty and miss, you're looking at 9/1. If you think the woodwork will be hit three or more times, you've got a massive 15/2 payout. It the woodwork isn't hit, you're odds on at 10/11. Once pays out at 2/1 while twice is listed at 9/2.
I think if Kanoute has a huge game, this one could go Mali's way. I think Angola's defence is tougher and they will be buoyed by the home-field advantage. I don't think we'll see a crazy opening 45, but things could get interesting around the 60 minute mark. I don't predict a high-scoring affair, but I do see penalties happening. 
The odds are great on both teams, but I'll be backing Angola to win with an in-play hedge on Kanoute to score first.