African Cup of Nations - Zambia and Libya draw

Wed, 25 Jan 19:10:00 2012

Zambia were forced to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Libya in their African Cup of Nations Group A clash in a saturated Bata.

Zambia - 0

The match was held up for one hour and 15 minutes due to torrential rain in Equatorial Guinea.

It was clear the sodden pitch was not fit for action, but the referee gave the match the go-ahead - surely under pressure from tournament organisers - despite large swathes of the pitch being under water.

Workers attempted to clear puddles of water before kick-off but even then the two sides battled through a punishing 90 minutes in a mud bath.

Ahmed Saad Osman gave Libya the lead when he slipped the ball beyond Kennedy Mweene with his side's first attack of the night on four minutes.

Emmanuel Mayuka equalised on 29 minutes with an expertly taken volley before Osman took advantage of some sloppy Zambia defending to restore his side's lead on 48 minutes.

Christopher Katongo earned Zambia a draw when he planted a header beyond Libya keeper Samir Abboud from close range on 54 minutes.

It was the first point for Libya, who must now beat Senegal in their final match at the weekend to have any chance of progressing to the last eight. Libya lost to Equatorial Guinea in last Saturday's opening game.

Zambia can progress with a draw against Equatorial Guinea in their final group game.

Eurosport / Reuters

Comment 1 - 11 of 11

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  1. That pitch was like a POTATO field!!!!shame to CAF and­ the organisers for allowing the match to be played on­ the HORRIBLE waterlogged swampy pitch.Hats off to­ Zambia for puting up a brave performance despite the­ very difficult conditions.GO CHIPOLOPLO GO!!!!

    From Kay, on Thu 26 Jan 16:31

  2. thats the spirit boys,we can make it work!

    From zifa, on Thu 26 Jan 15:04

  3. unstoppable copper bullets. all the way to the final

    From MONGREE, on Thu 26 Jan 14:15

  4. The so called pundits who were dimissing Zambia and­ other teams just because senegal misfits in the­ tournment play in europe must now eat their humble­ pies. Go Chipolopolo. We still tried to play our­ barcelona type of game despite the disgraceful­ waterlooged pitch.

    From chiwala, on Thu 26 Jan 13:39

  5. im really impressed by Zambia performance.

    From skool_101, on Thu 26 Jan 12:45

  6. Equatorial Guinea will be shocked by Zambia, we need to­ be on top of the group, thank God the underdogs are­ out!! Let's go Chipolopolo boys donchi kubeba!!!!

    From Uncle D, on Thu 26 Jan 12:11

  7. That pitch was not suitable to walk on, let alone play­ football. Disgraceful from the organisers..

    From Half A Brain, on Thu 26 Jan 11:31

  8. yeah that's a spirit chipolopolo boys let's do­ it we are behind you all the way...come on zambia

    From JOHN, on Thu 26 Jan 8:36

  9. zambia looks bright......to progress.

    From Leslie, on Thu 26 Jan 4:25

  10. good match , hard luck next match.

    From Moataz, on Thu 26 Jan 4:05

  11. Los niños hechizados milagro oh my god

    From Wqeqweqw, on Thu 26 Jan 3:34
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