Indeed, Group D of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations is teetering on the edge of an unprecedented outcome.
With all four teams (Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea) sitting on two points each after two consecutive 1-1 draws, a repeat of the same results tonight would create a statistical deadlock in every meaningful metric:
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Same number of points: 3
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Same number of goals scored: 2
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Same number of goals conceded: 2
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Same goal difference: 0
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Identical head-to-head results
In this extraordinary scenario, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that qualification for the quarter-finals would come down to chance — a drawing of lots.
According to CAF’s communications director, this draw would not be delayed to the following day. Instead, it would take place immediately after the matches in the press room of the Malabo stadium, where the match between Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire is being held.
Such a situation is extremely rare in international football tournaments and would be a dramatic — and somewhat controversial — way to determine which nations advance in a competition as prestigious as the AFCON. Football fans across the continent will be hoping for decisive results tonight to avoid leaving fate in the hands of chance.
