There is perhaps a hint of irony that the best game of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations so far was staged in the worst, almost unplayable, conditions.

Zambia's 2-2 draw with Libya in Bata on Wednesday was a thrilling spectacle despite much of the pitch being so saturated with water that players could not pass the ball.

But here we were witnessing a Zambian side that is full of attacking flair and skill up against a Libyan side who knew that defeat would mean a return home after the group stages. It was that mix of circumstances that gave the game its edge.

And after the result, which was followed by Equatorial Guinea's shock 2-1 win over Senegal - when conditions had become slightly easier - both Zambia and Libya are still in with a shot at the quarterfinals.

Zambia now need just a point to be sure of their qualification from Group A when they meet already qualified Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, but they could advance even in defeat if Libya do not end victorious against the out-of-sorts Senegalese.

Chipolopolo forward Chris Katongo expressed his disappointment that the match had gone on at all given the conditions, but must be pleased with the situation that the Zambians now find themselves in.

"It wasn't easy and I'm quite disappointed the referee took this decision [to play]," Katongo said. "It was only in the middle of the pitch that we could play a bit, everywhere else it was ping-pong, and we don't know how to play ping-pong."

Zambia felt too they should have had a penalty late on for a foul in the box, which if converted would have seen them into the knockout stages.

"Our game is on the ground, and the ball wouldn't move. We did what we could -- the ref made a decision, a human being can make a mistake," Katongo said.

Libya coach Marcos Paqueta says he is pleased just to be in contention going into the third round of matches, but will be disappointed that his side let a lead slip twice.

"It was hard for both teams to play in these conditions," the Brazilian coach said. "I think the result was deserved. We were up against a very good Zambian side, the group favourites. We still have a chance to qualify."

Neutrals will hope that this Zambian side does make it to the latter stages of the competition, for they have been the most "watchable" side by far. Skilful as they most certainly are, Sunday will tell us more about their mental strength to play under pressure.