African Cup of Nations 2015: Guinea win cruel' drawing of lots to reach quarter-finals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Guinea won the controversial drawing of lots for a spot in the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals, leaving Mali FA president Boubacar Diarra to complain: “It is cruel to be eliminated at this stage. For 20 years Mali haven’t had a team like this one.”
There were two balls in a pot, with Amara Dabo, an official with Guinea’s sports ministry, and Diarra told to pick a ball at the same time.
Dabo picked out the right ball and Guinea will now face Ghana on Sunday. Diarra’s face fell as his ball was revealed and elimination beckoned.
The two teams were forced to draw lots after finishing all three of their Group D matches 1-1.
“We have no other choice,” said Issa Hayatou, the president of the Confederation of African Football. The Ivory Coast won the group and now face Algeria.
The drawing of lots is rare, but not unprecedented, though many observers believe there must be a better way to judge which team remains in the tournament if two countries have the exact same record.
“We don’t have the power to change anything,” Mali’s team spokesman Modibo Traoré said. “CAF have to change.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments