What is an away goal?

Definition:

This is a method of separating teams in cup competitions which are played over two legs. If teams have scored the same number of goals against each other over two matches, goals scored in the opposition’s stadium (away goals) count double at the end of the second match.

If team ‘A’ has drawn 2-2 with team B in their own stadium, but 3-3 in team ‘B’s’ stadium, team A would progress on the away goals rule.

An away goal rule puts the home team under pressure; the home team must try to minimize the number of goals they concede at their own back yard, while visiting team should try to score as that will ease the pressure on them on the return leg of the game.

Scenario 1:

Platinum Stars won 4–2 to Bidevst  Wits at home, which means Stars conceded 2 goals at home, so when they play the in second leg, should Wits win 2–0 at home, the aggregate score will be 4 – 4, but Stars will be out because they conceded 2 goals at their own back yard. Someone will ask me what if Wits win 3–1? In that case, the aggregate score will be 5 – 5, but still won’t help Platinum Stars, because they conceded 2 goals at their own back yard.

In this case, if Wits win by 4–2, this will mean that the teams are on level term on goals, so the game will go to the extra time and kicks from the penalty mark will be taken if still a draw after extra time.

Scenario 2:

Orlando Pirates won 1–0 to Kaizer Chiefs away, which means Chiefs conceded 1 goal in their own backyard, which means should they go and play to any draw, Chiefs will be out of the competition, but if Chiefs go and win 1–0, that will mean the teams are on level terms, the game will go to extra time and kicks from the penalty mark will be taken if no team scores during the extra time.

If Chiefs win 2–1, the aggregate score will be 2–2, but Chiefs will go through on away goal, because they scored 2 goals away from home as compared to that 1 of Pirates away from home.

By Richard PapaKgee