In a rare and dramatic turn of events at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Algeria and Ghana were forced to draw lots to determine which team would advance to the quarterfinals. The match, held on May 20, 2025, ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams tied on points, goal difference, and other tiebreakers.
According to CAF regulations, when all standard tiebreaking criteria fail, a draw of lots is used to decide the winner. This occurred after Algeria and Ghana finished level in Group B, with both teams having identical records. The draw took place at the match venue, with officials from both teams present.
Algeria won the draw, securing their place in the quarterfinals. The Algerian team celebrated the outcome, while Ghana was eliminated from the tournament. The incident has sparked debate about the use of lotteries in football competitions, with some calling for alternative tiebreaking methods.
The U17 AFCON, which began on May 13, 2025, features 12 teams competing for the title. The tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup. Algeria will now face the winner of Group A in the quarterfinals.
