Guinea go through AFCON qualifiers through CAF random draw

Tomiwa Babalola

Guinea has gone through to the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after lots drawn by CAF favoured them ahead of their opponent, Mali.

The two ended their last group game on Wednesday night 1-1 after having each drawn their previous two games in the group, meaning their fates had to be determined by a random draw.

The Guinea national were lucky to qualify second in Group D, after the successful effort of the group leaders, Cote d'Ivoire- defeating Cameroon in the last game by 1-0.

Both head coaches had spoken before the proceedings on Thursday of the need to amend the rules in order to establish a more fair way of deciding such an outcome in future.

"We must find a more sporting way, fairer. This does not correspond to a sporting spirit," said Mali boss Henri Kasperczak, while Michel Dussuyer added: "Mali do not deserve to be eliminated in this way, just as we do not.

"Mali didn't lose a game - they played very well in the tournament."

Guinea star Ibrahima Traore, meanwhile, believes the matter could have been decided with a penalty shootout following Wednesday's game.

"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." Goal