Equatorial Guinea scored a second half late winner to beat Libya 1-0 in the opening match of the African Cup of Nations on Saturday.

Javier-Angel Balboa scored after racing onto a throughball and slotting past Libya goalkeeper Samir Aboud into the top corner in the 87th minute.

The co-host, making their debut in the finals and being the tournament’s lowest-ranked team matched Libya but were unlucky not to score in the first half when Ivan Bolado had a goal disallowed for offside after the ball slipped through Aboud’s arms.

In the second Group A match, Zambia earned an excellent opening day 2-1 win over fancied Senegal.

Emmanuel Mayuka opened the scoring for Zambia after 12 minutes, with Rainford Kalaba doubling their lead seven minutes later.

Senegal substitute Dame Ndoye pulled one back for Senegal with a beautifully taken strike.