With Mamelodi Sundowns yet to secure a quarter-final berth in the CAF Champions League, Soccer Laduma analyses their permutations ahead of the final group game against AS FAR Rabat.
Sundowns go into the final round of Group B against AS FAR on Sunday evening at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, as favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals, alongside their opponent.
The Militarians have already secured passage into the last eight as they sit top of the group with nine points and can no longer be caught by Raja Casablanca, who are third in the section, four points behind and bottom side Maniema Union, who are already eliminated with three points.
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Sundowns, three points ahead of third-placed Raja, need at least a point to guarantee qualification.
However, The Brazilians know that they are still in danger of missing out on the quarter-finals should they lose to AS FAR, as The Green Eagles are favourites to beat already eliminated Maniema, in their final group game at home.
So what will happen should Masandawana lose to AS FAR and Raja beat the Congolese side, as both teams would be on eight points?
The CAF regulations of a tie-breaker when two teams are tied on points are as follows:
"20. In case of equality of points between two teams at the end of the group matches, the teams will be using the following criteria as per the order listed below:
"20.1 The greatest number of points obtained in the matches between the concerned teams.20.2 The best goal difference in the matches between the concerned teams.20.3 The greatest number of scored goals in the away matches between the concerned teams.20.4 The goal difference from all the matches played in the group.20.5 The greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.20.6 A draw will be conducted by interclubs Committee."
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As things stand, both Sundowns and Raja won both their home matches with a 1-0 scoreline (and as a result they would be tied on 20.2 and 20.3 as well), which means it will come down to point number 20.4, which is goal difference, should they both finish with eight points.
Masandawana currently hold a superior goal difference but things could change, if they lose to the Rabat side and Raja, on home soil, beat Maniema by a big scoreline.
