Third Afcon option opens for Flames
Apart from a second best qualifying slot, the third best losers’ option has an added window that could see the Flames sneak through to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco.
An additional match to break the tie will have to be played in the event that the third best losers tie on points and goal difference, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced after Egypt sought clarification.
“If two teams or more are equal in points, goal difference will be decisive. If goal difference is the same, the team that scored more will play in Morocco. Finally, if two teams are equal in scored goals, they should play a decider match to choose the winner,” according to www.supersport.com
The Flames’ chances of qualifying straight as among Group B twos’ best teams has vanished as they anchor the table on three points from four games.
Ethiopia are third on better goal aggregate, but also with three points. Malawi has conceded nine goals while scoring twice in four qualifying matches.
Algeria already qualified with nine points whereas Mali, who visit Malawi on November 11 2014, have six points and are placed second. Malawi, whose coach Young Chimodzi insists the Flames are not out, will travel to Ethiopia on November 15.
“Despite the second straight loss, not all is lost. We still stand a chance because of Mali’s loss to Ethiopia. If we can win both our remaining matches, then we stand a chance,” Chimodzi was also quoted in The Nation last week.
The third best with highest points across qualifying groups will join top two from all seven groups alongside the hosts Morocco.
The Flames are fourth on the rankings of teams eyeing the third slot after number one Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt. Some 28 teams were drawn into seven groups.
On Sunday CAF officially informed the Egyptian Football Association that the third placed team with the highest points will be chosen.
