The result keeps the group open giving all teams an equal chance of advancing to the next round of the competition. It was the third meeting between the two sides after facing off during the qualifying series.
The kickoff of the match was delayed for over an hour due to a downpour just after the warm up session. The match finally kicked off when the rain was done, but the soggy nature of the pitch marred the beauty of the game.
Whilst both teams were struggling in search of their feet, Libya struck the opener on five minutes through captain Ahmed Osman who finished off superbly after being put through by Elkhatroushi Walid.
Both teams were tactful in their approach in their quest to trap the ball as the downpour rendered the pitch to difficult control passes. However, both teams defied the soggy nature of the pitch exhibiting some fine displays to the amazement of the crowd.
Midfielder Rainford Kalaba proved that he is the heartbeat of the Zambian team as he tormented the backline of the Libyan defence with his raids upfront from both angles. On 29 minutes, Zambia drew parity and it was masterminded by Kalaba who laid a perfect pass to Emmanuel Mayuka, before the latter volleyed past Libya goalie Samir Abod from a tight angle.
Moments later, Libya were dealt a major blow as enterprising midfielder Elkhatroushi sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Albusaifi Ihab. Zambia also brought on burly forward Collins Mbesuma for Francis Kasonde but his presence could barely impact on the scoreline.
Libya resumed more purposeful and Osman shot them into the lead once again two minutes into the half firing home from a goalmouth action. But the lead will last for seven minutes before Zambian captain Christopher Katongo drew level by heading from a scissor kick from Emmanuel Mayuka.
The game remained balanced but Zambia forward Mayuka was gifted with a perfect opportunity to put his side in the lead on 84 minutes, but after rounding off his marker, his response was too slow allowing the Libyans to clear the danger.
Few minutes later, Libyan forward Ahmed Zuway forced a spectacular save from Zambian goalie Kennedy Mweene, who parried out his goalbound long range effort. Libyan pair of Younes Shibani and Abibaker Suiueinei defended gallantly to keep the score intact.
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