Zambia have been held to a 2-2 draw by Libya in a sodden 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash in Bata on Wednesday.

It was touch and go whether the match would be played at all, with torrential rain leaving parts of the pitch under water.

Credit to the two teams then that they managed to put on an entertaining spectacle and produce a result that takes Zambia to the top of the pool, for a few hours at least.

Libya twice led after a brace of goals from Ahmed Sa'ad, but this Zambian side are made of stern stuff and twice they hit back as Emmanuel Mayuka and Chris Katongo got goals.

The match started 75 minutes late, and it was Libya who were quickest out of the blocks, taking the lead just five minutes in.

Walid Elkhatroushi produced a great pass to put Sa'ad in on goal, and he showed great composure to finish past Zambian keeper Kennedy Mweene.

Libya lost Elkhatroushi to injury, which was a blow to their chances, but he was just one of a number of players who would struggle in the heavy conditions.

Mayuka equalised for Chipolopolo just before the half-hour mark, his second goal of the tournament so far, volleying home from Rainford Kalaba's floated cross.

Libya were back in front three minutes into the second half when Sa'ad netted his second, a fine individual effort after he managed to work space for himself in the box and then turned the ball home via the post.

Kalaba should have equalised when put through on goal but his touch was heavy and the chance was lost. Minutes later though, the Zambians did level the scores. In a beautiful piece of play, Kalaba chested down a cross before an overhead kick that was headed home at the back post by Katongo.

Zambia had the better of the chances in the time that remained, Collins Mbesuma producing a heavy touch to see his opportunity go begging, while at the other end Sa'ad shot straight at Mweene when well-placed for a hat-trick.

And there was drama right at the death when Libyan goalkeeper Samir Abod let the ball squirm away from him, and as Kalaba kept the ball in play, Katongo appeared to be fouled in the area. The referee saw no infringement though and seconds later blew the final whistle.

So Libya have their first point of the campaign and Zambia have quarter-final qualification in their own hands, knowing that a win over Equatorial Guinea in their final match on Sunday will propel them into the knockout stages.