Zambia have remained optimistic of qualification for the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals despite being forced to a 2-2 draw by Libya in the second Group A match played on a heavily flooded pitch here.

And buoyed by their 2-1 shocking victory over Senegal, co-hosts Equatorial Guinea are now targeting to claim Zambia's scalp in the final group match set for Sunday in Malabo.

Chipolopolo skipper Christopher Katongo said Zambia still had a chance to seal a last eight berth despite a disappointing draw against Libya last night.

Katongo said Zambia's concern was to qualify for the next round and that finishing top of the group was not their priority.

He said in an interview after the match that the Chipolopolo were capable of reaching the quarter-finals and that they were now looking forward to the Equatorial Guinea match.

"We have a chance to qualify and I think we can do that. We hope to go to the next round and now we look forward to the next game," Katongo said.

On the Libya match, Katongo said it was not easy to play on a flooded pitch and expressed his disappointment with Malian referee Koman Coulibaly's decision to allow the game to be played in such conditions.

"I think it was not easy to play on a pitch like this. We're disappointed with the referee for allowing this game to be played. I don't think you can play football on such a pitch. Zambian football is played on the pitch," he said.

Midfielder Isaac Chansa said despite poor conditions, Zambia put up a good fight but that it was unfortunate victory was not secured after twice coming from behind to hold Libya.

Coach Herve Renard had no kind words for Coulibaly, saying it was difficult to play in such soggy conditions.

Renard said his charges could not play well because of the poor conditions but was happy with the team's performance.

"We were not good in this particular match because of playing in these very difficult conditions but am proud of my team," he said.

In this match played on a 'swimming pool' of a pitch, Ahmed Osman hit a brace for Libya but Emmanuel Mayuka and Katongo responded back for Chipolopolo to ensure Zambia get a point from the match after heavy rains battered the Equatorial Guinea commercial city of Bata here.

Pre-tournament favourites Senegal were forced to pack their bags here after being eliminated by Equatorial Guinea, who sealed an unlikely quarter-final place.

And after dispatching Senegal on an early flight home, Equatorial Guinea are now targeting to finish top of Group A by beating Zambia in the last match on Sunday.

Coach Gilson Paulo said despite beating the high-rated Teranga Lions, the Nzalang Nacional had not reached the 'promised land'.

"Senegal is a very good team with talented players. We did a good job with the win but we are not there yet. We want to win all our matches to finish top in our group," Paulo said.

Captain Edjogo Ewono said despite qualification to the quarter-finals, Equatorial Guinea still wanted to win the last match.

"Despite the fact that we have qualified, we still want to win our last match against Zambia. Our target is to finish as the winners of the group and we can only achieve that by winning our last game," Ewono said.

The Chipolopolo, who have continued shaping up in Bata, will shift camp to Malabo on Saturday morning.

It was party time in Bata as thousands of fans poured onto the streets to celebrate the Nzalang Nacional victory over Senegal and subsequent qualification to the knock out stage.

Most local fans here believe Zambia would not stand a chance against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday at the Estadio de Malabo.

The usual vocal Senegalese fans were crest fallen as they comprehend on what could have hit the Teranga Lions, who with Ghana and Ivory Coast were the bookmakers' favourites to lift the 28th edition of AFCON.

Equatorial Guinea lead Group A on six points after collecting maximum points from Libya and Senegal while Zambia are second on four points following a win over the Teranga Lions and a draw with the Mediterranean Knights.

Libya have a point while eliminated Senegal are still without a point after two games.