GROUP A:
Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia, Malabo (FT)

Libya 2-1 Senegal, Bata (FT)
By Piers Edwards

2008: And the final word to Ahmed in London. “Yes we should have qualified but we did more than anyone expected! I mean we just beat Senegal!! The Mediterranean Knights’ heads should be held high!!” And so they should. Terrific end to what has been an enthralling campaign for the Libyans – and they can depart with the honour of a first victory at the Nations Cup since hosting the tournament in 1982. And their first victory ever at a Nations Cup on foreign soil. Some feat for a team whose country was in crisis one short year ago.

However, the main story of the night is that Zambia have booked their place in the last eight by beating Equatorial Guinea 1-0 – and so have potentially avoided the prospect of meeting tournament favourites Ivory Coast in the next round. “What a game! Thank you boys. It’s 12 noon in California, I have made a lot of noise for my neighbors, it’s time for BBQ,” says David Masumba, who I’m suspecting is a Chipolopolo fan. Bon appetit David – and join us for more tasty offerings tomorrow as Group B’s two unbeaten sides – Ivory Coast and Angola – battle it out for top spot. In the day’s other game, Sudan chase an unlikely place in the last eight when they take on Burkina Faso. Good night.

2004: A few of your texts before we go. An unnamed Ghanaian says: “I am so disappointed in Senegal – losing all three group games with such a powerful strike force. But I am so happy for African football”. I think many would agree with that – as this tournament has been all about unpredictability. Enoch in Canada knows who he wants in the next round – and it’s the Palancas Negras. “Well done Zambia! Great goal, now let’s go get Angola!” I’m suspecting Enoch that you don’t want the Angolans to win in Malabo tomorrow night, otherwise you’d be meeting Ivory Coast in the next round!

2001: Malabo. A number of Equatorial Guinea fans look decidedly glum after their first defeat of the competition but the simple fact is that the team’s worst-ranked competition booked their place in the quarter-finals with ease – and surely any supporter of the National Lightning would have taken that before the finals kicked off? Now they await their opponents in next Saturday’s quarter-final – will it be Ivory Coast, as expected, or can Angola inflict the Elephants’ first Group B defeat when the pair clash tomorrow evening? We’ll have the anwers this time tomorrow.

1959: Bata. So Libya go out with their heads held high and their first Nations Cup victory in 30 years, says Stephen Fottrell. They miss out on a last-eight place but got their victory in an edgy final group game, thanks to two goals from Albusaifi, with the second a worthy winner. Senegal, meanwhile, go home without a point, after another massively disappointing night in a disastrous tournament for the Teranga Lions. Deme Ndiaye bagged their only goal of the night, but it was little consolation for coach Amara Traore and the Senegalese players, who looked embarrassed at the end. Desperately poor display from the West Africans and Traore’s job is surely now hanging by a thread. What on earth went wrong with them at these finals? Will a more detailed story emerge in time?

1956: So despite Libya’s best efforts to make it through, Equatorial Guinea couldn’t finish off the dream script for the Mediterranean Knights. Because the co-hosts have suffered their first defeat of the finals, after losing 1-0 thanks to Zambia captain Chris Katongo’s well-struck 67th-minute effort. It all means that Equatorial Guinea will play the Group B winners and, perhaps to the joy of some in Malabo, the National Lightning will play that quarter-final in the Equatoguinean capital. Zambia, meanwhile, will travel back to Bata, where they played their first two Group A matches, for their last eight clash with either Angola or Sudan.

1955: ZAMBIA QUALIFY FOR THE AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUARTER-FINALS

1954: FULL-TIME! Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia

1954: FULL-TIME! Libya 2-1 Senegal

1953: Malabo. Clifford Mulenga is on for Rainford Kalaba in the 94th and last minute of the match.

1952: Oh dear – what a tournament for Senegal. They are just minutes away from making the most embarrassing of exits. Strongly-fancied before the finals, with myself among those expecting them to go far (I must admit), they are bowing out without a point to their name – unless they can score in the next three minutes.

1950: Malabo. Into stoppage time, with four minutes of added time to be played.

1949: Chiluba is back in touch. “What did I say? Mark my words – we are not there for jokes. Go Zambia, go Zambia. We want a complete whitewash.”

1947: Malabo. Ben Konate, who has been very impressive in this tournament so far, comes off as Rolan de la Cruz comes on.

1946: Goal disallowed for Senegal in Bata. Souleymane Camara has the ball in the Libyan net but is given offside. Senegal coach Amara Traore has his head in his hands.

1944: I would say ‘hold onto your hats’ but Libya’s hopes now rest with the co-hosts. Zuway lays off the ball wonderfully to Ihab Albusaifi who rifles into the back of the net with his right foot from eight yards out. Great technique from Ihab who wheels away in delight and Libya are on course for their first Nations Cup victory since 1982. BUT they need Eq Guinea to score twice.

Latest group standings:

Zambia 7 points
Eq Guinea 6
Libya 4
Senegal 0

1943: GOAL! Libya 2-1 Senegal

1941: Bata. Libya’s Ahmed Sa’ad Osman really getting into his stride now as he dribbles the ball one way and the next confidently, trying to thread balls through mainly to Zuway, who has a free header in the box, but directs it straight at Deme Ndiaye. At the other end, Moussa Sow breaks well from midfield but completely over-hits his pass for Cisse, who had found good space on his right. Senegal’s tournament in a nutshell there.

1938: Malabo. Emmanuel Mayuka comes off for Zambia, replaced by James Chamanga – who was once doubtful for these finals but made it to the squad and is now involved. Ten minutes to play in Group A and at present the group looks like this:

Zambia 7 points
Eq Guinea 6
Libya 2
Senegal 1

1938: Well, despite the heroics of qualifying, Libya are left needing another miracle to make it through. They need to find a goal themselves against Senegal and hope that Eq Guinea score twice against the Zambians. The former may not be so far-fethced, but the latter would seem it at the moment.

1935: Malabo. A change as well as Ellong Doualla comes on for Ivan Bolado, who created an excellent chance for himself in the first half only for Mweene to deny him with some smart goalkeeping. Bolado was quiet other than that though and failed to get behind the Zambian defence. Chipolopolo looking very comfortable now.

1932: Bata. Very stop-start now, with niggly fouls going in on both sides, not least from Senegalese defender Diawara, who hammers into Libyan defender Berrish, who, all credit to him, gets straight back up again. Moussa Sow comes on for Senegal captain Mamadou Niang, while Papiss Demba Cisse tries to chip Aboud from outside the box, but floats it over. Ahmed Sa’ad Osman then enjoys a great run into the box and tees up Libyan sub Al Sherif, who skies his effort over. At the other end, and just moments after, Moussa Sow misses a good chance at the near post and Issiar Dia comes on for Ndiaye.

1932: Malabo. He’s never the least animated person but you wouldn’t know that Herve Renard’s Zambia are going through. Despite his team having just taken the lead, he’s giving some of his coaching staff what might be termed the ‘hair dryer treatment’. Eq Guinea coach Gilson Paulo is calm personified in comparison.

1930: Malabo. This is the first time that Eq Guinea have been behind at this tournament, so it’s going to be interesting to see what they can come up with. Composure? We shall see…

1928: Malabo. Eq Guinea almost respond instantly as Juvenal curls a beauty at goal from a free-kick from 25 yards out but the ball just drifts past the post, by a matter of millimetres. Excellent effort from Juvenal and he can count himself unlucky.

1927: Zambia really are going through now as Chris Katongo scores a massive goal. Picking up a throw-in, the captain drifts inside unchallenged before unleashing a low shot from the edge of the box that flies inside Danilo’s right-hand post. What does it all mean? Very simply, that if the result stays like this, Zambia will avoid likely Group B winners Ivory Coast in the next round – while Eq Guinea, who have already qualified, will not. Obviously, that all depends on tomorrow’s Ivory Coast-Angola match, but that is how it is looking at the moment.

1926: GOAL! Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia

1925: Approaching the last quarter in both games. Still, Eq Guinea and and Zambia are going through.

1923: Malabo. Much better from Eq Guinea as a couple of dangerous crosses are swung in by Javier Balboa, the goalscoring hero from the first game. Massive roars inside the stadium, which can only host just over 15,000 but you wouldn’t know it. Both crosses are cleared but they were of a far higher quality and had to be well dealt with by the Chipolopolo defence.

1921: Bata. Plenty of meaty challenges going in in this game now, with Cisse introducing himself to Aboud with a leading forearm, and penalised for his efforts. Libya also make a change, as Mohamed Esnani is replaced by Marwan Ahmed. Pape Diakhate is also spraying some good balls around for Senegal as they try to find a bit more width in their game. Another change as I write this. Abubakar Suiueinei is off, replaced by Abdalah Al Sherif.

1920: Malabo. Mayuka hands up a fine cross to the back post but Rainford Kalaba turns his eyes away, leads with his back, and gets nothing on the cross while fouling his opponent. Good chance which went very astray.

1919: Malabo. It’s very hard to predict how this one is going to go, but Zambia are looking more likely at the moment and beginning to settle down in the final third for the first real time in the match. Gaps are opening up while at the other end, Eq Guinea are having to work hard for every inch of space. Good structure to the Zambian shape.

1916: Malabo. There’s desperately little to report on the pitch in Malabo, and you have to wonder whether the home fans are going to see their favourites score tonight? Or indeed in this competition at all. Because if this game ends in a draw, Eq Guinea will play their quarter-final back on the African mainland – in Bata. There’s no semi-final in Malabo although the Equatoguinean capital does host the third-place play-off. Will the co-hosts be there?!

1915: Bata. Senegal with a lot more urgency now, playing the ball down the right channel well, but unable to get the final ball into the box for substitute Papiss Demba Cisse. Meanwhile, the Libyan passing is getting a bit sloppy, with hit-and-hope balls from midfield not finding anyone.

1913: Bata. Refereeing error as Senegal Deme N’diaye is booked, even though Souleymane Diawara made the offending challenge – for obstruction.

1910: “Zambia has to demonstrate that we are not participating for the sake of it but to lift the trophy,” says Chiluba in Kitwe, Zambia, who has texted in to +44 77 86 20 20 08. Amidst all this, on the pitch in Malabo, Juvenal sails one harmlessly over from 25 yards.

1907: Bata. Good early chance for Senegal but Deme Ndiaye can’t quick connect with a ball from Camara to the far post.

1907: Malabo. Further intrigue as Zambia are awarded a controversial free-kick deep inside the Eq Guinea penalty box for a back-pass. Short free-kick is touched to one side before Hichani Himoonde hammers at goal from 8 yards but the wall – a red wall camped en masse on the goal line – comes out smartly and bravely to repel the strike.

1905: Malabo. Raul-Ivan Fabiani is on for Eq Guinea, and Thierry Fidjeu is off. Is this a rest for Fidjeu, or simply a reflection on his anonymous first-half display? But, more intriguingly, why was that change made a minute after the re-start, as Eq Guinea began the half with ten men, and not before the second period kicked off?

1905: Bata. Senegal kick off the second half in Bata as they look to end their desperately disappointing Nations Cup campaign with a win.

1904: Malabo. Back underway as Eq Guinea kick off the half, with the game still goalless. Nick Cavell again: “Despite the poor football on the pitch, we still have a great atmosphere in the stadium and the announcer is doing his bit too by getting the crowd to sing along with his Ole’s as Zambia appear on the pitch.”

1904: Bata. Teams also out in Bata and Papiss Demba Cisse is on for Senegal and replacing club colleague Demba Ba.

1903: Malabo. The teams are back out for whatr Nick Cavell has called a fairly lacklustre half. It needs to get better, but neither Eq Guinea nor Zambia will think that – as they are both going through.

1856: Another devoted Chipolopolo fan is following the action in a far-away land. This time, it’s Shaun in Bangladesh. “Zambia are arguably the best team in southern africa and they are the region’s only ambassadors most likely to qualify to the next level after Botswana’s humiliating 6-1 drubbing by guinea. The driving force behind the Zambians is that they playing for our fallen heroes in the gabon disaster.” They certainly are, Shaun, as members of the squad have freely admitted in the last month or so.

1854: Half-time snaphot from the BBC’s Matthew Kenyon in Bata. “1-1 is about right at half-time. A good goal from Libya to open it, but maybe they started to believe too much, because they were slack for the equaliser. Both teams have had chances to take the lead but it’s been a bit scrappy for the last half hour. But the chance is still there for Libya – if they can go on and win, and Zambia go down in Malabo – not impossible and we could still see Fair Play deciding qualification.” Ah, a can of worms opened there, Matthew. Because there is the possibility that Fair Play will be used to determine who qualifies should Zambia (provided they lose tonight) and Libya (provided they win) both end up on four points tonight and with the same number of goals scored in the group. It will go down to yellow cards and at present, I make it that Libya have three at the tournament and Zambia just the two.

1852: I can’t remember receiving too many texts from Afghanistan re. African football over the years. But Sheriff has texted in to say “Following the Zambia game from Kabul – support to the Chipolopolo boys – from Sheriff”.

1851: Half-time snapshot from Nick Cavell inside the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. “Neither side really seem to be pushing for the win – with both sides happy to attack sporadically. Zambia, especially, sat back and absorbed Equatorial Guinea’s attacks. Neither team really created any clearcut openings in the first 35 minutes – but there was one apiece after that, with the goalkeepers both doing well to rush out and save. The prospect of avoiding Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals doesn’t seem enough of a temptation for either team to go for the win at the moment.”

1848: The half-time whistle blows – more or less at exactly the same time – in both Bata and Malabo. 1-1 between Libya and Senegal in the former, and goalless in Malabo between the co-hosts and Zambia.

1847: Malabo. The crowd roar their approval as Eq Guinea advance but the final ball in lacks direction after a promising build-up. These fans are desperate for a home goal.

1845: Bata. Both teams are cancelling each other out somewhat, but doing their best to create openings. Ahmed Zuway is looking busy for Libya up front, but has been marshalled well by the Senegalese centre-halves, although he makes a claim to the referee that he’s been impeded in the box more than once. One minute of additional time.

1845: Malabo. Three minutes of added time at the end of the first half.

1843: Nearing the break in both games and the honours are even in both Malabo and Bata. Eq Guinea, who have already qualified, are being joined by Zambia both in the last eight at present.

1841: Malabo. Eq Guinea have their best chance of the match as Ivan Bolado takes a pass from Juvenal beautifully, opening up his body to fashion a chance but Mweene charges out from the Zambian goal to smother the strike. By far and away the co-hosts’ best chance of the match.

1841: Bata. Senegal’s Kader Mangane receives a yellow card after brining down Ahmed Zuway near the edge of the box.

1839: Malabo. Lungu is in action in the final third for Zambia again but drills a 25-yard strike well wide of Danilo’s goal with his left peg. Vazquez is back on, sporting a conspicuous white plaster underneath his left eye.

1837: Bata. Some end-to-end action in Bata as Libya’s Mohamed Jamal find himself in a promising position outside the box, before slicing a shot well wide. Senegal’s Camara then creates space well for himself at the other end of the pitch, and gets a good shot away, which zips across Aboud’s goal. Senegalese Kader Mangane then finds himself in the six-yard box after a clever ball back in from Niang, but he can only head straight at Aboud, who almost spills the tame effort.

1835: Malabo. First real opening for Zambia as Danilo is forced to block a powerful low strike from Zambian captain Chris Katongo from an angle, after being played in by Rainford Kalaba. There’s a break in play as Eq Guinea’s Danioel Vazquez receives action. He got an arm in the face, albeit unintentional, as Katongo had his strike.

1833: Malabo. Good driving run from Chisamba Lungu to get to the byline but his cut-back is cleared. Great power from the Zambian who strode forward purposefully, even if his final ball lacked precision.

1832: Malabo. There’s nothing in it in the Equatoguinean capital but the co-hosts have been advancing deeper into the Zambian half as the first period progresses. Despite some promising openings, Mweene has yet to be called into serious action.

1830: Bata. Daf is living extremely dangerously with the referee having to remind him that he is on a card, after the Senegalese full back makes another reckless challenge. Libya meanwhile look like they’re in too much of a hurry to get back in front, with a couple of over-cooked long balls running out of play.

1828: Bata. The eliminated Teranga Lions are certainly not just going through the motions here, as they seek to salvage something from an otherwise disastrous tournament. They are enjoying more of the possession at the moment as Libya struggle to get back on the ball. The North Africans need to win here, remember, to stand any chance of going through.

1826: Mohammed from Zambia has also been in touch. “People in the capital Lusaka are going absolutely crazy. Come on chipolopolo boys! Let’s win it for the Gabon air disaster heroes.” In case you don’t know, and I’m sure most you do, Zambia lost nearly all their football squad in 1993 when flying to a World Cup qualifier as their plane came down off the coast of Gabon. This tournament is in Gabon (and Eq Guinea of course), hence the significance for many involved with the Zambian game…

1824: Malabo. Equatorial Guinea are looking most threatening from set-pieces at the moment. This time, another dangerous ball in from Juvenal goes all the way through the six-yard box from a corner. Could the co-hosts’ frontmen have attacked that slightly better?

1822: Bata. Senegal force a series of corners, looking to edge ahead through another set-piece, but they can’t make the pressure pay before Libya clear. Senegal skipper Mamadou Niang is also complaining that he had his shirt pulled in the box as one of those corners came in.

1822: Better late than never, but we have finally got our text system working again, so please do send in your comments to +44 77 86 20 20 08. Oswald in Zimbabwe says: “Zambia have to win, Piers, that’s my wish. Both teams have to demonstrate skill and great sportsmanship. We are going to witness a thriller tonight”. Hope you’re right, Oswald, hope you’re right.

1819: Bata. The BBC’s Matthew Kenyon inside the Estadio de Bata: “A small band of Senegal fans on the far side are making some noise, but the rest of the stadium is basically empty.”

1818: Malabo. The BBC’s Nick Cavell inside the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo: “Stadium is now full in Malabo – and there’s a great atmosphere as the locals cheer every attack, every defensive tackle and every save from their Brazil-born keeper Danilo.” Still goalless.

1818: Bata. El Mughrabi, who was lucky to come out of that tangle with Daf with his left leg in-tact, is playing some clever balls around for Libya, who look sharp this evening. Senegal are again struggling to get into their stride although Pape Diakhate and Souleymane Camara have lashed a couple of decent-looking chances way over the Libyan bar.

1816: So as things stand, Eq Guinea will be topping the group, Zambia will be going through in second while Libya and Senegal will be out – even if the latter will have picked up their first point of this campaign.

1813: Bata. Senegal’s Omar Daf goes into the referee’s notebook for a scything tackle on El Mughrabi. Daf caught the latter’s standing leg with his studs so can count himself fortunate to stay on the pitch, says my colleague Stephen Fottrell.

1812: Senegal instantly reply as Deme Ndiaye as he flicks home captain Mamadou Niang’s corner, getting up highest at the near post to head home off the inside of the post. Good reaction from the Teranga Lions and what a start in Bata. But all far too easy from the point of view of Libya coach Marcos Paqueta no doubt, who must be infuriated by the simplicity of the goal.

1811: GOAL! Libya 1-1 Senegal

1810: Malabo. The Zambian hero of previous matches, Emmanuel Mayuka, has his first sigh on goal but can’t keep a flicked header down and it sails over from just 7 yards out.

1809: Malabo. Eq Guinea captain Juvenal calls Kennedy Mweene into action for the first time, but it’s very comfortable for the Zambian goalkeeper who comfortably catches a curling but very tame 30-yard strike.

1807: So as things stand, Libya are still not going into the quarter-finals. Because while they need to win, they also need Zambia to lose, and in the early stages in Malabo, it’s currently goalless between co-hosts Eq Guinea and Zambia. Less than ten minutes played though of course. Senegal, meanwhile, are heading for humiliation.

1805: I said the drama was going to depend on Libya winning their match and they’ve certainly given neutrals the start they were hoping for. Terrific jinking run through from Ahmed Sa’ad plays in Ihab Albusaifi, who prods home with the outside of his right boot and underneath new Senegal goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye.

1804: GOAL! Libya 1-0 Senegal

1803: Malabo. Zambia captain Chris Katongo has the first chance of the game as he lets fly from a central position some 25-30 yards from goal. Slashes across it though, and the ball flies a few yards wide of Danilo’s left-hand upright.

1802: Malabo. The BBC’s Nick Cavell – “Still a few empty seats here in Malabo as the game kicks off. Police letting people in slowly and there are also a fair number outside just for the atmosphere according to my BBC colleague Alex Capstick.”

1801: Bata. Libya – all in white – have kicked off their Group A encounter against Senegal, clad in white. We are off and running.

1800: Malabo. Zambia – all in green – kick off their Group A tie against Equatorial Guinea, who are head-to-toe in red. They haven’t kicked off in Bata yet.

1759: Malabo. Just the one change in the Equatoguinean capital for the Zambians. Davies Nkausu is in for Francis Kasonde.

1755: Malabo. Noisy probably does not do it justice as the home fans in Malabo have the first chance to watch their national team live in the flesh at these finals. Their two previous games were in Bata, so this is a welcome treat for those in Malabo.

1752: Malabo. The teams are out. The Zambian national anthem is playing. Now, while there may be intrigue as to whether Libya can earn an unlikely qualification, there’s also the small matter of trying to avoid Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals to contend with. So Zambia have every incentive to win this game so that they can leapfrog the co-hosts at the top of Group A and so avoid a likely last eight meeting with Group B leaders Ivory Coast (should they avoid defeat to Angola tomorrow, that is).

1748: Malabo line-ups. Equatorial Guinea: 1-Danilo, 23-Jose Bakong Alogo, 4-Rui Fernando Gomez, 5-Fousseny Kamissoko, 2-Daniel Vazquez, 20-Daniel-Bledimiar Ekedo, 6-Juvenal Edjogo, 14-Ben Konate, 10-Ivan Bolado, 11-Javier Balboa, 12-Thierry Fidjeu.

Zambia: 16-Kennedy Mweene, 3-Chisamba Lungu, 4-Joseph Musonda, 5-Hichani Himoonde, 6-Davies Nkausu, 8-Isaac Chansa, 11-Chris Katongo (c), 13-Stoppila Sunzu, 27-Rainford Kalaba, 19-Nathan Sinkala, 20-Emmanuel Makaya.

1745: Bata line-ups. Libya: 01-Samir Aboud (c), 11-Mohamed El Mughrabi, 03-Abdulaziz Belrrish, 05-Younes Shibani, 04-Ali Salama, 02-Rabea Aboubaker, 23-Jamal Mohamed, 06-Mohamed Esnani, 10-Ahmed Sa’ad Osman, 19-Ahmed Zuway, 20-Ihab Albusaifi.

Senegal: 16-Khadim N’Diaye, 5-Souleymane Diawara, 17-Omar Daf, 06-Abdou Kader Mangane, 04-Pape Diakhate, 22-Bouya M’Bengue, 14-Deme N’Diaye, 21-Mohamed Diame, 08-Mamadou Niang, 09-Souleymane Camara, 19-Demba Ba.

1742: Team news from Bata. Matthew Kenyon again. “Two changes for Libya: Rabea Aboubaker replaced by Abdulazziz Berrish and Ihab Albusaifi comes in for the injured Walid El Khatroushi. Meanwhile, Mohamed El Mograbhi starts despite receiving a nasty blow to the face in the Zambia game.”

“For Senegal, coach Amara Traore has made SIX changes. Keeper Bouna Coundoul is dropped and replaced by Khadim Ndiaye. Also out: Lamine Sane – injured, Issiar Dia, Dame Ndoye, Papiss Demba Cisse and Guirane Ndaw. Coming in: aside from Ndiaye, Pape Diakhite, Mamadou Niang (the captain having been restored to the starting line-up), Souleymane Camara, Deme Ndiaye and Omar Daf”. So that’s great news for both Camara and Daf, who both contested the 2002 Nations Cup final and that year’s World Cup too.

Full line-ups to follow.

1740: The BBC’s Nick Cavell is watching today’s game in Malabo and says “Stadium is slowly filling up here and the stadium announcer is trying to get the crowd singing along with him. Equatorial Guinea and Zambia both on the pitch warming-up – not that they need much – it is again very hot and humid in Malabo.”

1737: Matthew Kenyon is inside the Bata stadium for the BBC today, where he reports “Shaping for rain here – let’s hope it’s not as heavy as Wednesday!” Yes indeed. Because on Wednesday, matches had to be delayed because of the terrific downpour in Bata, leaving Libya and Zambia to play out a 2-2 draw on a pitch which should have not been staging any matches. Later that evening, Eq Guinea were also in action – so we’ll soon find out how badly the surface was damaged by those games.

1734: In case you’re wondering, this live page will be bringing you updates from both games in Group A today. They both start in just under half an hour and while I will be keeping an eye across the Malabo game, between Equatorial Guinea and Zambia, my colleague Stephen Fottrell will be following the BATA fixture, where Libya face Senegal. But all the action will be here, so please do click on refresh and we will bring you all the drama as it unfolds. We could be set for a relatively calm evening but if we have what this Africa Cup of Nations has already thrown up, I don’t fancy our chances! Anyway, it all really depends on whether Libya can beat a potentially-demoralised Senegal if we are to have a nail-biting two hours.

1730 GMT: So this is it. The final chance for either Zambia or Libya to make it through from Group A. At present, co-hosts Equatorial Guinea are already through. They have six points, the Zambians have four, the Libyans one while Senegal are pointless and out of the competition. The easiest way of putting things is that if Zambia get at least a point from their Malabo encounter with Equatorial Guinea, then the Chipolopolo join the co-hosts in the quarter-finals. The only way that Zambia cannot qualify if if they lose, and Libya beat Senegal in Bata. BUT there would however need to be a swing in the number of goals scored to take the Libyans through.

View the original article here