Clarification: Kotoko’s Qualification To The Grand Finale

One issues that has generated heated debate in the soccer circles in recent times is the mode of Kumasi Asante Kotoko's qualification to the finals of the maiden edition of the CAF Confederation Cup notwithstanding the fact that Enugu Rangers of Nigeria are superior to Kotoko in group A after both had tied at 10 points.

The irony of the situation is that the fans of Enugu Rangers, unaware of the relevant CAF Inter-Club Regulations plunged into spontaneous jubilation after their darling club had held Petro Athletico of Angola to a goalless drawn game in Luanda. At the same time the supporters of Kotoko were also celebrating their qualification to the finals after beating Al Hilal of Sudan 3-1 in Kumasi.

SPACE FM, determined to clear the minds of the people embarked on a serious search to unravel the truth. After due diligence, SPACE FM wishes to clarify the seemingly complex situation.

The Article 4(7) of the CAF Champions League Regulations, which is applicable to the Confederation Cup stipulates inter alia:

“ In case of equality of points after all the group matches have been played, the classification of the teams shall be established according to the following criteria:

- Greater number of points obtained in the matches between the concerned teams.

- Goal difference resulting from the matches between the concerned teams.

- Greater number of goals scored away from home in matches between the concerned teams.

- Superior goal difference from all the matches played in the group.

- Greater number of goals scored in all the matches played in the group”.

The first three criteria are concerned with the results obtained by the two teams at tie ( Kotoko and Enugu Rangers in this case). This is what is commonly referred to as the 'Head-to Head'.

In the case of Kotoko and Rangers, criterion two resolves which of the two sides qualifies to the grand finale. Kotoko beat Rangers 3-1 in Kumasi and lost 2-1 to Rangers in Nigeria. Thus, the aggregate score is 4-3 in favour of Kotoko.

Below is the final table.

GROUP A: P W D L GF GA Pts Kotoko (GHA) 6 3 1 2 10 7 10 Enugu Rangers (NIG) 6 3 1 2 12 6 10 Al Hilal (SUD) 6 3 0 3 6 11 9 Petro Atletico (ANG) 6 1 2 3 5 9 5

Asante Kotoko qualified based on direct confrontation results between Kotoko and Rangers,CAF.

The final Matches are as follows:

26-28/11/04: Hearts of Oak v Asante Kotoko

11/12/04: Asante Kotoko v Hearts of Oak