Afcon 2015: Mali and Guinea managers criticise drawing of lots

The Mali and Guinea managers insist the drawing of lots should not be how their Africa Cup of Nations fate is decided.
A draw on Thursday afternoon will decide which side reaches the quarter-finals after they finished joint second with identical records in Group D.

"We have to solve the problems of qualification without a drawing of lots," said Mali boss Henri Kasperczak.
Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer said: "Mali do not deserve to be eliminated in this way, just as we do not."

The Frenchman added: "Mali didn't lose a game - they played very well in the tournament. I would be disappointed, but it's hard for any team. No-one deserves to be eliminated."

Guinea winger Ibrahima Traore echoed his manager's thoughts after the two sides drew 1-1 in their final group match.

"It's not fair for both teams - I don't make the rules but we could do it on penalty kicks or extra time," he said.
"The team who deserve to win would do it on the pitch. Not like Thursday.

"We and Mali will be really anxious because we don't know if we go home or stay and it's not up to us. It'll be really difficult to sleep - it's not a good situation."

Lots were originally scheduled to be drawn, if required, at the post-match news conferences but it was announced during the first half that the draw had been moved to Thursday.

The first such drawing of lots in the tournament since 1988, will now take place at a hotel in Malabo at 15:00 GMT, with the successful team playing their quarter-final against Ghana on Sunday afternoon.

Mali's Kasperczak added: "You have to respect the rules, we have no choice. We are going to be nervous, Guinea also.

"We must find a more sporting way, fairer. This does not correspond to a sporting spirit."
 
BBC