When Points Meet: AFCON’s Tiebreak Rules Explained Before the Last Group Round

What do the rules say when two teams are tied?

According to Article 14 of the AFCON regulations, if two teams finish the group stage with the same number of points, the tie is broken in this order: first, the head‑to‑head points from the matches between the tied teams; second, the goal difference across all group matches; third, the total goals scored in all group matches; and finally, a draw by the organizing committee.

In short, the direct confrontation between the two teams carries the most weight, followed by overall performance on the field of play.

What do the rules say when more than two teams are tied?

Also under Article 14, if more than two teams are level on points, the ranking among them is determined as follows, in order: first, the points obtained in the matches between the tied teams; second, the best goal difference in those head‑to‑head matches; third, the most goals scored in those head‑to‑head matches; fourth, if still unresolved, a draw by the organizing committee.

If the tie persists after applying these head‑to‑head criteria, the following criteria apply in order: first, goal difference in all group matches; second, the total goals scored in all group matches; third, a draw by the organizing committee.

To recap with a wink: when the math is stubborn, the game still finds a way—usually through head‑to‑head, then goal metrics, and only then a coin toss becomes a serious option.

If these procedures fail to break the tie, what comes next?

When the described procedures do not resolve the tie, the competition turns to the next criteria in the stated order: overall goal difference in all group matches; then the total goals scored in all group matches; and finally, a board-approved draw by the organizing committee.

And yes, the book is a long one, because in football, even the rulebook enjoys suspense before the knockout stage.

Humor among referees aside, these rules aim to reward teams that perform consistently and in direct encounters—because in a crowded group, clear criteria beat vibes during the coffee breaks.

Punchline 1: If AFCON tiebreakers were a sniper, head‑to‑head would be the first shot—precise, cold, and aiming straight for the heart of the tie. Punchline 2: When all else fails, the organizer’s draw gets involved—because apparently, even fate needs a fair referee sometimes.