Under 2.5 Goals Predictions and Tips

A low-scoring encounter seems likely in Wednesday's AFCON qualifier. Under 3.5 goals were scored in ten of Ethiopia's last 12 international fixtures. Five of Sao Tome and Principe's seven previous fixtures also saw fewer than four goals scored. 

Ghana’s recent run of games has been relatively low scoring, with five of their last six fixtures producing fewer than 2.5 goals. On the contrary, Austria's recent fixtures have also produced fewer goals: under 2.5 goals has occurred in each of their last three WC qualifiers.

The friendly at Ernst Happel Stadion should not be the place to see many goals on Friday night. These 2026 FIFA World Cup participants were never among the most prolific teams, and as this match is not an official one, there’s a tendency for even fewer goals to be scored.

It was under 2.5 goals in five of the previous seven matches played by Ghana. The exceptions were games against Central Africa and Trinidad & Tobago, when the Black Stars trashed their opponents. Talking about Austria, under 2.5 goals were scored in four of their last seven games. Two of those exceptions were games against San Marino, when the Austrians scored 14 goals in total. All in all, I’m expecting a low-scoring affair in Vienna, and the odds of 1.85 are good enough for me.

Despite the defensive lapses, both teams suffer from low offensive productivity, with Mirandes averaging less than one goal per game (30 goals in 31 matches). Cordoba’s recent scoring has also dried up during their losing streak, failing to score in three of their last four fixtures. With both sides desperate for points to break their respective slumps, a cagey, defensive tactical approach is expected, likely resulting in a low-scoring 1-1 draw.

Despite the likelihood of both teams scoring, the match is projected to be a controlled, tactical affair with a probability of staying under 2.5 goals. Paraguay's recent World Cup qualifiers featured low-scoring defensive displays, such as a 0-0 draw with Ecuador and a 1-0 win over Peru. Historically, this fixture leans toward a lower goal count, and with manager Alfaro likely to prioritize defensive shape ahead of their World Cup opener, a cagey 1-1 draw is the predicted outcome.

Both teams went under 2.5 goals in three out of four games in the EURO U21 Qualifiers. Also, neither team were spectacular offensively, and we doubt that will suddenly change. 

Slovenia’s matches tend to be tight, often drifting into low-scoring draws rather than open games. Hungary are not exactly free-scoring either, and with both sides lacking sharpness up front, this has the feel of a game where chances come, but not in waves.

Despite the potential for both teams to score, a high-scoring blowout is unlikely due to the tactical caution typical of late-season promotion and playoff battles. Deportivo's defense is among the league's best, conceding only 1.13 goals per game, and several of their recent key matches—including the reverse fixture (1–0) and their recent win over Eibar (1–0)—have stayed under the 2.5-goal threshold. A 1–1 draw fits the statistical profile perfectly, satisfying the need for both teams to find the net while maintaining the trend of tight, low-scoring coastal derbies.

Given both teams’ struggles to score, a low-to-moderate scoring encounter is likely. Under 2.5 goals has landed in three of Armenia’s last four international fixtures.

Given Cape Verde’s structured approach and Finland’s lack of cutting edge in the final third, a low-to-moderate scoring encounter is likely. Under 2.5 goals has landed in four of Cape Verde’s last six international fixtures, including both World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.