Congo snatched a late 1-1 draw against the hosts, Equatorial Guinea, in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations, muting a packed stadium of home fans in Bata who thought they were on their way to a surprise win.
Equatorial Guinea’s captain, Emilio Nsue, scored in the 16th minute to kick off the celebrations at Estadio de Bata after the crowd, adorned in the home team’s red shirts, had already been treated to a performance by the American singer Akon during the opening ceremony.
But Thievy Bifouma equalised with three minutes to go, sliding a low shot in from a tough angle to spoil the hosts’ opening night.
Worries over attendances at this African Cup were temporarily pushed aside as the supporters crowded in for the Group A match.
Equatorial Guinea stepped in to stage the tournament at the last minute in place of Morocco.