At exactly 6 pm (Ugandan Time), Africa and the world will be glued on TV to catch a decider between Mali and Guinea on who joins Cote d’Ivoire in the last eight from group D.
However, unlike most deciders, this one is off pitch but in the boardroom where a coin toss will decide who finishes second.
This will happen in pursuant of Article 74 of the regulations of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations which states that incase teams tie on everything from points, head to head, goal difference and goal scored, a random draw is conducted to determine who bows out.
In this case, Mali and Guinea found themselves tied after three group fixtures on three (3) points, three (3) goals scored, three (3) goals conceded after another 1-1 stalemate between each other.
CAF has released a statement on the matter and revealed the procedure of how it will be done. “The draw will take place during the meeting of the Organising Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, 29 January 2015 at 16H00 local time at the Hilton Malabo.
“There will be two balls with position two (2) and position three (3), and the representative of the two teams will pick a ball from the pot. The one who picks position two (2) qualifies for the quarter final.”
MOROCCO 1988 – Algeria edge Ivory Coast on a Coin Toss
27 years ago in Morocco, Algeria and Ivory Coast found themselves tied in everything and a coin toss was used to determine who joined group A leaders Morocco in the quarters.
The two nations drew 1-1 before Algerians lost 1-0 to Morocco and then beat Zaire 1-0 while Ivory Coast drew goalless with Morocco and also beat Zaire 1-0.
Morocco topped the group with 4 points while Algeria finished second thanks to a coin toss which separated them from Ivory Coast.
Other Incidences where Coin Toss was used; 1990 and 1954 World Cups
During the 1990 World Cup hosted by Italy, group F runners up Republic of Ireland beat third placed Netherlands on a coin toss after a stalemate in all parameters.
The two drew all their three group fixtures with similar score lines and thus a coin toss had to throw out the Oranje.
Group 3 winners in the 1954 World Cup Uruguay finished top after winning a coin toss against second placed Austria.
