Sometimes, it all comes down to luck. After three games played, three games drawn, three goals for and three against, Guinea and Mali were tied in every way imaginable for second place in Group D of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Lots had to be drawn, therefore, and it’s Guinea who have emerged triumphant.
Guinea into AFCON quarterfinals after drawing lots
Random chance has decided the last of the quarterfinalists, and it’s bad news for Mali.
The draw was made by a member of each national FA and witnessed by representatives from international news agencies. While we don’t quite know the mechanics of the business, early reports suggest that a bowl was involved:
Huge cheers, Guineans hugging, the bowl has emerged from the third lift-shaft.
— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) January 29, 2015 The bowl was carried back towards the kitchen. I think it may just have been one they use for the buffet.
— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) January 29, 2015 So Mali head home, doubtless cursing whichever poor suit picked the wrong ball/scrap of paper/length of straw from the bowl. Guinea, meanwhile, advance to a quarterfinal against Ghana Feb. 1. That's it for the lots -- however, should Guinea manage another draw, the matter will be settled by a more traditional penalty shootout.
Update! Here’s how it was done.
@RusselloMFC Two balls, one marked 2 and one marked 3 - a delegate from each side puts hand in and takes one.
— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) January 29, 2015 See More:
