Zambia in driving seat as Sudan lose 2014 World Cup appeal, Ghana in danger

Published on: 04 March 2013

Zambia are in the driving seat in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers after sport's highest court CAS rejected Sudan's appeal for fielding an ineligible player, leaving Ghana in danger of missing out of the tournament in Brazil.

Sudan protested against the decision by FIFA to strip them of their victory over the Chipolopolo claiming they fielded an unqualified player which resulted in the North Africans reporting the matter to CAS for redress.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) says it rejected the Sudanese Football Association's appeal against the FIFA ruling to award Zambia a 3-0 win by default.

The court's ruling puts Zambia top with six points from two matches, three ahead of Ghana. Sudan falls to third with one point. Lesotho also has one point.

This means the Black Stars must win the remainder of the qualifiers in Group against Sudan, Lesotho and Zambia to be able to clinch the group's top spot.

CAS says Sudanese officials "couldn't not be aware of the fact that" Saif Ali was suspended and ineligible to face Zambia last June.

Ali scored in Sudan's 2-0 win in Khartoum, four months after being sent off when the same teams played an African Cup of Nations quarter-final.

Ghana, now second on the log with three points, will need to win its two-legged ties with Sudan and an away match to Lesotho. Ghana could be fancied to beat Lesotho away and Sudan at home.

However, beating Sudan at its home is a herculean task. The decider appears to be the Zambia –Ghana clash to be hosted by Ghana.

Chipolopolo has the luxury of drawing this game or even losing it, provided Ghana stumbles away to Sudan or Lesotho and that’s assuming Zambia maintains a 100% record.

What must the Black Stars do to qualify to the World Cup?

Do you think Zambia deserve to be awarded the three points and three goals?

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