Afcon 2015: Group B as it happened

1. Akaichi opens scoring, Bokila levels
2. Tunisia & DR Congo qualify
3. Cape Verde 0-0 Zambia
4. Heavy rain makes pitch almost unplayable

Farewell until tomorrow

So there you go then.

They may have a new president and he may well have phoned the team to wish them well, but Zambia slump out bottom of the group.

DR Congo equalise to register a score draw, bettering the goalless draw Cape Verde played out with Zambia - and that single goal carries them through.

Tunisia march forward too, group winners. This was close. This was wet (in Ebebiyin at least) and this was intriguing. Come back for more tomorrow at 17:30 GMT and thanks for your company.

Themba Hadebe

All about good timing

Jeremy Boklia scored with his first touch in the game for Congo DR and his contribution was enough. It is hard to believe they qualify having only won one of their last 14 in this tournament (Drawn 7 Lost 6).

The price you pay

Cape Verde will rue their lack of creativity in their final group game.

The Blue Sharks managed just one shot on target in the match, in the 63rd minute. Just one goal from 23 attempts in the tournament.

What happens next?

Google

So how about this for a quarter-final encounter: Congo v DR Congo.

A commentator's nightmare and probably filled with needle and patriotic passion.

That will take place on 31 January, as will Tunisia v Equatorial Guinea.

GET INVOLVED

Sarah Morgan: What fantastic scenes with Tunisia/DRC managers' joint celebrations and Kidiaba's inimitable ones!

What did you make of tonight's action? Tweet us on #bbcafcon2015.

Anyone for a shuffle on our backsides?

Contrasting scenes in Bata, where goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba is doing what can only be described as a 'bum shuffle'.

He sits on the deck and kind of shuffles along with a big smile on his face as his side celebrate.

Cape Verde's Heldon is in tears. He hugs a team mate. His side have paid the price for not finding the net enough in this tournament and while unbeaten with three draws, a solitary goal from the penalty spot is not enough.

Bad news for Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew as Yannick Bolasie will be here a little longer with DR Congo.

BBC

FULL-TIME

A draw is enough for both sides as they qualify for the quarter-finals.

FULL-TIME

The players sit on the turf. They await the full-time whistle in Bata. And there it goes. Farewell Cape Verde and Zambia.

CLOSE!

This is all out attack now and Evans Kangwa brilliantly gets to the dead ball line...his cut-back is parried out and is the ball turned home...no. It dribbles wide.

It looks like Tunisia and DR Congo are going through, unless something dramatic happens in Ebibeyin.

Just two minutes for added time remain. Heldon's free kick for Cape is horrendous. What a waste. He had 20 yards, a wall in front of him and he barely got the ball off the ground.

The clip into the box from Cape Verde breaks down as defenders throw anything in the way to clear. Stoppage time awaits and Cape Verde's Fernando Varela has to time a tackle perfectly or he was in big trouble...back to the Zambia end and they again conceded a free kick in a dangerous area. This will be a shot.

Good work from Yannick Bolasie but the ball finds its way to Chancel Mbemba Mangulu on the edge of the area, who blazes over.

Four minutes of injury time signalled.

CLOSE!

Evans Kangwa sees glory and crashes left footed at goal. A good effort but Vozinha is behind it to catch. A free-kick at the other end gives Cape the chance to load the box. No time like the present lads...

And wasted as Yannick Bolasie's strike hits the wall. Still both teams going through as we stand.

Free-kick for DR Congo, central, 25 yards out...

BBC Sport's Matthew Kenyon: All those guys who sheltered from the storm are back and we've got an atmosphere again. If it weren't for the water splashes it would be just as you were. Both sides are pushing for that goal as desperation begins to set it. It's tough for the defences in these conditions.

No hanging around now. Goalkeepers lamp kicks up field in a hurry. Will we see some incredible late drama.

The coaches have made subs aplenty and played their cards. Neither side look like creating. It will be direct if a goal comes.

Yannick Bolasie's overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area is very easy for Tunisia's goalkeeper.

A country rebuilding

Getty Images

Did you know? The Congolese Civil Wars, beginning in 1996, brought about the end of Mobutu Sese Seko's (pictured, right) 31 year reign, devastated the country, and ultimately involved nine African nations, multiple groups of UN peacekeepers and twenty armed groups.

The wars have resulted in the deaths of an estimated 5.4 million people since 1998.

Patrick Ngoma races away down the left and battles the tide of surface water in the process but he over runs the ball. It's so hard for players to judge out there now.

Players on the pitch know the scenario now...score or your out. The only way Cape can progress without a goal is if Tunisia score a winner against DR Congo.

A fierce strike from Jean Kasusula flies wide from 25 yards for DR Congo.

Sharks are dangerous...

Cape Verde were given little chance at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations but stunned the continent by reaching the knockout stages - prompting former manager Lucio Antunes to burst into song in a news conference.

But should we be surprised if they do the same again? The Blue Sharks qualified for Afcon 2015 with two matches to spare.

As it stands

BBC

Entering the last 10 minutes in both matches and all four teams could still qualify for the quarter-finals. Tunisia and DR Congo in the box seat but a goal in the other match changes everything.

CLOSE!

What a chance. What a chance.

As this opens up, good work by Chisamba Lungu sets up a crossing chance and he drives a ball across goal...must be for Evans Kangwa...no.

He was 10 yards out, unmarked, but could not adjust his feet and his prod at goal slices wide.

YELLOW CARD

Rainford Kalaba has taken these wet conditions quite seriously.

Getty Images

The Zambia man dives like Tom Daley in the area under challenge...no contact...yellow card.

No complaints anywhere, a pathetic dive. Desperate to say the least.

BBC Sport's Matthew Kenyon: The rain has stopped but the search for a goal here hasn't. A 0-0 draw doesn't suit either side now. The pitch is still difficult but to be fair it has stood up better than it might have done, given the amount of water we're talking about!

CLOSE!

Substitutes combine for Cape Verde as Djaniny returns a pass to Odair Fortes and he is in...big chance...denied. He could not quite beat the keeper to the bouncing ball but that was tight.

GREAT SAVE!

DR Congo stopper puts his body in the way of Hamza Younes's close-range shot to deflect the ball over. Tunisia may still be going through as group winners but their position looks precarious.

Cape Verde's star man

BBC

SUBSTITUTION

Lubambo Musonda is off, on comes striker Patrick Ngoma for Zambia. Antonia Varela heads to the dugout for Cape Verde as Odair Fortes enters the fray.

Where is the star man to decide this? A national hero could be born...

PENALTY APPEAL

Djaniny has been handy since he came on for Verde. He sees a penalty shout turned down but that one was a little weak.

All of a sudden, DR Congo are looking a different side. Yannick Bolasie has come to life and Tunisia are suddenly in real danger here.

This game should be perfectly balanced for a late flurry at both ends now. Cape are out unless they draw at least 1-1 but obviously a win would be far more desirable. Zambia must win or it is the plane home for them.

Barely a chance in this second half to report and that must change. The rain has eased, the football cannot...

As it stands

All change in Group B...

BBC

Congo DR would progress courtesy of their 1-1 draw. They have scored, Cape Verde's draw is a goalless one and that would be the difference.

GREAT SAVE!

Djaniny - the substitute for Cape Verde has a bang from 20 yards and draws a very good diving save from Kennedy Mweene. That's what this is about now. Get it in the box, shoot on sight.

GOAL

AP

Unbelievable. DR Congo have done the square root of nothing and then all of a sudden, one long ball, Dieumerci Mbokani knocks the ball on and substitute Jeremy Bokila fires home the equaliser.

Both teams are going through at the moment but all that could change...

What a miss!

Wahbi Khazri should put Tunisia through. He turns on the ball just eight yards out but still somehow blazes the ball over the bar. He had to score.

Conditions for a legend

We cannot endure a fixture in conditions like this without reference to the great man.

Preston North End legend - the late Sir Tom Finney - is immortalised in bronze outside Deepdale performing his famous 'The Splash' slide.

PA

Preston or Africa? He could hack this.

AP

Still hope for DR Congo...

Tunisia are sailing through at the moment as DR Congo struggle to create anything of note. Ahmed Akaichi flashes a shot wide as the Tunisians find this all too easy. A DR Congo goal though would put them through.

SUBSTITUTION

Rainford Kalaba whips a cross in which flashes across the Cape Verde goal. Remember Zambia need to score despite these tough conditions.

Djaniny comes on for Cape. I hope you have your cagoule ready son.

Getty Images

This is a bit farcical. Defenders are wellying the ball and it is travelling all of 10 feet at best. Lobbed balls are dropping and sticking to the deck. A game of long balls and dead balls. Any player who can summon a moment of genius in these conditions should automatically be given player of the tournament in my book.

AP

The rain in Ebibeyin is absolutely hammering down and you can't help but wonder what happens to this match in Bata if that group match gets abandoned. Both matches are meant to finish at the same time....

In terms of action, I can bring you little from this. Squelch, splash, slip, that is about it.

Zambia come forward but left back Chisamba Lungu cannot get the ball out of his feet. It's sticking under him. A set play is the only way a goal could arrive in this and a Cape delivery is palmed away by Kennedy Mweene.

BBC Sport's John Bennett on Twitter: Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe preparing to come on for Cape Verde and Zambia.

Cape where?

If you haven't managed to nab a holiday there (as my fellow live text commentator has), Cape Verde may sound like some fictional haven to many.

Where exactly is it?

Getty Images

That is the west coast of Africa and some 350 miles further west, in the Atlantic Ocean, sit a smattering of Islands discovered in the 15th century.

It's a largely catholic country (78%) and at this time of year, expect temperatures of around 75 degrees. Just over 500,000 people live there but more Cape Verdeans live overseas than on the islands themselves.

Windsurfing is big time there. Right on.

You could wind surf on this pitch right now.

BBC Sport's Matt Kenyon: The ball is splashing and the pitch is getting waterlogged. I can't see how this can continue...

I don't think this is rain. This is whatever the natural progression beyond rain is.

This game could well end up being washed out. There are puddles developing on the field, a pass from right to left sticks on one prompting a big 50-50 tackle.

The running track around the pitch is lake-like and the rain is bouncing off it.

What would folk be doing in Cape Verde now?

Perhaps playing a game of Ouri - a pit and capture game - loved by locals.

BBC

If you're British and sat at home you may be tuned into the One Show. And why not? The FA Cup sixth round draw is on there. Follow the live text here to know who your team draw.

DISALLOWED GOAL

AP

Almost a disastrous start for DR Congo as danger man Yassine Chikhaoui sires a low shot into the net only to see the flag raised for offside once more.

BBC Sport Matt Kenyon: Three years ago I watched all of Zambia's matches as they sailed to an inaugural triumph in the Nations Cup in Libreville. Things have changed a lot since then. There are still a decent core of the players who win it for Chipolopolo in this team - Stoppila Sunzu, the central defender, is the man who scored the decisive penalty to deny Ivory Coast in Libreville - but they need to build again. And right now - they need to win, to have any chance of going through. And even that might not be enough.

KICK-OFF

BBC

Underway again in both matches, with Group B still in the balance. As it stands, Tunisia and Cape Verde are through.

GET INVOLVED

Le Millenium: DR Congo are missing their captain. He is not the most skilled player but very organised. C'mon lads!

Tweet us your views on Afcon to #bbcafcon2015.

Records to improve

Getty Images

Since winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 on home turf, the competition hasn't been that kind to Tunisia. They haven't qualified beyond the quart-finals since and even failed to make it beyond the group stages three times.

DR Congo haven't exactly got a recent record worth shouting about either. They have lifted the trophy twice, in 1968 and 1974, but have since failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals.

Two teams desperate to add to their trophy haul.

AFP

Take some going to do that this time as well...

Opta Joe

But what do stats mean? I'll go for 6-6 in the second half.

BBC Sport's Nick Cavell in Bata: Tunisia have dominated the first-half and are good value for their lead - veteran keeper Kidiaba saving DR Congo on one occasion and the assistant ref with his flag on another. DR Congo struggled to find any rhythm at all until the final few minutes of the half - but with Mbokani, Ndombe, Bolasie, Mabwati and Makiadi they have enough quality to get back in this match.

BBC Sport's Matt Kenyon in Ebibeyin: The storm has taken hold here now. That long ball just got diverted by the wind and you can see the rain lashing the running track around the ground. Both these teams managing to create some breaks without real clear cut chances. we need goals. This weather may have an impact here. Your correspondent has not very heroically retreated to shelter (to save broadcast kit you understand...)

HALF-TIME

Not a thriller. Not enough for Zambia. Not nice playing conditions (unless you're a duck). No goals.

But you can bet we will have drama as this progresses. This group is too finely balanced for there not to be.

YELLOW CARD

Christopher Munthali slides in on Heldon and it's a late tackle. He misses the quarter-final if Zambia go through. They are not at the moment.

Cape whip the dead ball in, we are over the allotted injury time and that is incredibly close.

A low ball is slid across the surface...it misses everyone and rolls half a foot wide.

HALF-TIME

So far so good for Tunisia. DR Congo need to a find a goal - at the very least - or they are out.

One minute of injury time signalled in Bata...

CLOSE!

Kennedy Mweene in the Zambia goal is going absolutely mental.

Why? Because Toni Varela has just had a free header 10 yards from goal. The midfielder is on the end of a free kick and should do better. He could not quite adjust his body shape. Great chance. He had his own postcode to play with.

CLOSE!

Rainford Kabala looks most likely for Zambia and his free kick from 30 yards draws a comfortable punch by the Cape keeper. A decent effort but there was no major panic as the stopper did not have to move sideways at all.

SHOWBOAT

BBC

Oh yes. Sunday League football fans will love this challenge as Stoppila Sunzu - who plays for those global conquerors Shanghai Greenland - slides in on Cape Verde striker Heldon. As he takes man and ball a huge spray of water is visible as his trail.

BBC

As results stand, Tunisia and Cape Verde are heading for the quarter-finals.

DISALLOWED GOAL

DR Congo are fortunate to still be in this. Yassine Chikhaoui is enjoying himself for Tunisia and sees an absolute belter ruled out for offside.

A Zambia win here would take them through as Tunisia lead in the other game. What chance then?

AFP

CLOSE!

Garry Rodrigues gives his marker the clip on halfway and powers at goal. A cross-shot would maybe work but he keeps his head down and has a dig...wide of the near post.

He plays for Elche in Spain and has no goals in 16 games this season. Prolific.

BBC Sport's Nick Cavell in Bata: Akaichi becomes only the second player at this Nations Cup to score two goals after #Congo's Bifouma.

A dire effort from the free-kick by Lubambo Musonda. From 18 yards he puts his foot through it but it barely lifts off the deck and the wall block easily. An abysmal free-kick.

YELLOW CARD

That news of course means Cape Verde will be fine with a draw.

They haven't scored from open play in the competition this year yet but would care little.

Under threat here though as Evans Kangwa is felled on the edge of the box. Booking for Carlitos.

GOAL

AP

That is thoroughly deserved as striker Ahmed Akaichi scores his second goal of the tournament. Yassine Chikhaoui shows great feet in the area to create a shooting opportunity, his effort is half blocked butAkaichi sticks his head in the way and diverts the ball home.

Tunisia only need a draw to qualify but, as it stands, DR Congo are going home.

Getty Images

Toni Varela - of Dutch side Excelsior - is down and has to shake off an injury. It looks like someone stood on his hand.

This has been void of great quality in the final third so far and you get the feeling Cape Verde don't yet want to go all out for the win that would take them through while a draw could do the job. What Zambia are hanging around for I can't tell you...only a win is enough.

Garry Rodrigues is brought down - a bi too easily - as Cape attack and this will be pumped into the box.

Finally DR Congo threaten. Jean Kasusula curls a free-kick over the wall from 20 yards but it is fairly standard stuff for goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi.

BBC Sport's Nick Cavell in Bata: Rain is coming down now in Bata but there are nough free seats for the fans affected by rain to move 20 rows back and take cover.

Meet the bosses...

Getty Images

Who is Rui Aguas (pictured)? The 54-year-old played 31 times for Portugal but spent much of his coaching career as a number two. He was appointed Cape Verde boss in 2014. In his playing days, Argas won the Portuguese title four times - three with Benfica and once with Porto.

Aguas has stated that a last-eight place is the "minimum objective" for his side.

Honour Janza: Took the Zambia national job in August of 2014 after being technical director. He has been hindered by the loss of many senior players since their shock win in 2012. Only eight of the 23 in the current squad formed part of the Afcon winning group.

CLOSE!

Getty Images

Players' shirts stuck to them- and it is not yet perspiration - as the rain thumps down. Rainford Kalaba finds space in the box to jink a shooting position but the Zambia number 17 sees his effort deflected narrowly wide. They have made the better shooting positions so far.

GREAT SAVE!

Flowing football from Tunisia and only a strong save from goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba keeps it level. A passing move from the north Africans sees Yassine Chikhaoui's shot turned wide. Tunisia looking dangerous, Congo DR aren't...

BBC Sport's Matthew Kenyon in Ebebiyin: The rain is getting more intense and there are flashes of lighting overhead. It hasn't deterred the fans over there on the far side just yet....

Actually, that's not true, because a large number of neutrals are now heading for shelter!

Have some of this...

Getty Images

Cape Verde - minnows? Underdogs? Plucky types you want to cheer for?

The small island nation may well give off an air of loveability, but make no mistake, these geezers can mix it.

Their opening fixture in this tournament against Tunisia is still the dirtiest in the 2015 competition to date, with a whopping 48 fouls.

You want some?

BBC

Advantage Tunisia?

The omens aren't good for DR Congo this evening.

They have only won one of their seven previous competitive meetings with their North African counterparts (D1 L5) and that was the first meeting back in 1989 (played as Zaire).

Still, records are there to broken...

CLOSE!

That's a bit more like it...use the wet surface and cause some mayhem.

Given Singuluma lashes one which zips, causing s parry from the Cape Verde keeper and though Evans Kangwa pounces on a rebound to see his effort swiped off the line, the flag is up as he strayed.

This game has not fully opened yet but the slippy conditions and the fact there is a huge reward on offer tells me we will get a good affair here.

BBC Sport's Nick Cavell in Bata: A very very different atmosphere in the Estadio de Bata tonight - barely a thousand fans in at the moment. BUT the DR Congo fans are making themselves heard with their drums and maracas - and the occaisional vuvuzela. The Tunisia fans seem to have been boosted by a few supporters from other nations judging by the flags in front of them - and they are sticking to chanting to outdo the Congolese drums.

Tight in Ebebiyn with neither goalkeeper called on to make a meaningful save. Heldon looks a cut above anything in the Cape Verde side and races down the left to cross into the hands of the goalkeeper.

At the other end Rainford Kalaba is going to fizz one off the wet surface is he? No...he blasts the ball 30 yards over the bar. Shocking. He has had an absolute nightmare there.

AP

There is an strange atmosphere around the Estadio Bata with so few fans in the ground. Hard to believe this a group decider.

BBC

So, with 12 minutes gone in both matches, it is Tunisia and Cape Verde going through. Plenty of time for that to change.

Quarter-final opponents

Equatorial Guinea and Congo will be watching on with interest - knowing the teams who go through this evening will be their quarter-final opponents.

Congo, the Group A winners, will play the runners-up while Equatorial Guinea will play the second-placed team in their quarter-final.

GET INVOLVED

We could see lots drawn if both these games are drawn by the same score today. What do you think is a novel way to settle a game? Have you ever been involved in a random tie-break scenario? Tweet #bbcafcon2015.

BBC

Patrick McKean: The most novel way to decide a contest would be to get all of the captains together and make them play Twister!

Daniel Woodley: Once at school to determine the result of a basketball match we had to stand on halfway, with backs to the net, to score.

What a miss!

What a chance for Tunisia. In fact, they have two golden opportunities in the space of a minute.

Ahmed Akaichi races clear down the right, pulls the ball back to Ferjani Sassi and his shot is cleared off the line. The loose ball is fired goal wards and Yassine Chikhaoui stabs wide from no further than five yards out. Awful finish.

If this tournament has taught me anything it is that African goalkeepers do not like catching the ball.

Imagine the carnage then as a rarely seen up and under to keep the ball in during a Cape Verde attack, is set to drop in the six yard box. This ball has some serious hang time and Kennedy Mweene in the Zambia goal is visibly dancing on the spot with worry.

He punches into the air and then collects the ball at second attempt.

All under control lads. No need to worry.

BBC Sport's Nick Cavell in Bata: The kick-off was so quiet here in Bata that I missed it... I'd say around a 1,000 people in...

CLOSE!

Evans Kangwa with a glancing header on goal from a Zambia corner...that's travelling...but a blue shirt gets in the way near the goal line. An early goal would be huge for the Chipolopolo, who know how to win this competition remember. They did so in 2012.

AFP

A positive start from Tunisia as they force a succession of corners. It looks like they are going for this...

Carlitos draws a needless foul for Cape Verde and they start with some nerve-calming possession. Horns in the crowd and yes, once again, a Vuvuzela. Can we not impose a law where they have to be melted.

A dead ball delivery from the Islanders sees Fernando Varela head way over.

Interesting to see how Tunisia approach this. A point is enough for them this evening while DR Congo need victory to ensure qualification. Stick or twist for the north Africans?

KICK-OFF

We are underway in Bata and Ebibeyin. What drama could be ahead?

And anthems in Ebebiyin where there are a few more are in attendance as some rain falls. This should be a slick one under foot. Heldon - the Cape Verde striker - gets involved in a coin toss.

Zambia have made three changes from defeat to Tunisia - Southampton's Emmanuel Mayuka is injured. What a turnaround it would be if they jump from bottom to progress.

BBC Sport's Matt Kenyon: In a very wet Ebibeyin - which will be a test for this very young pitch. So far it's held up well - but this is the first time it's had to deal with serious weather. Much smaller crowd than yesterday too - but these teams know they have to win today. Maybe entertainment to come...

Anthems done and dusted - but where are the crowds? Looks pretty sparse in Bata.

The President's men

The Football Association of Zambia post on Facebook: "His Excellency the President, Edgar Lungu has just called the Chipolopolo camp in Equatorial Guinea to wish them all the best in this evening's match against Cape Verde.

"The President has further reminded and assured the team that the entire country is behind them. The call has excited the entire team which was listening in on loud speaker as the President spoke to FAZ boss Kalusha Bwalya and Coach Honour Janza."

Too Scottish to rule

Getty Images

It is all going on in Zambia today.

Yesterday, Edgar Lungu (centre) was named the country's sixth president and today, he dropped a gent called Guy Scott (right) -who was interim president for a short time - from his cabinet. Scott was briefly Africa's only white leader.

Scott, who is of Scottish descent, was prevented by the constitution from standing for the presidency himself as his parents were not born in Zambia.

BBC Sport's John Bennett: CAF meeting to discuss Quarter-Final locations as we speak. Expect a final decision/confirmation tomorrow.

Team news

Cape Verde XI: Vozinha, Varela, Gege, Stopira, Carlitos, Varela, Calu, Nuno Rocha, Rodrigues, Ryan Mendes, Heldon.

Zambia XI: Mweene, Nkausu, Mbola, Munthali, Sunzu, Mtonga, Musonda, Lungu, Singuluma, Kangwa, Kalaba.

BBC Sport's John Bennett on Twitter: BREAKING: I understand the 2 QFs due to take place in Ebebiyin & Mongomo will be moved to Bata & Malabo "due to safety concerns".

We will keep you updated as this story progresses...

Equatorial Guinea away

Reuters

The winners of Group B could have a tasty quarter-final to look forward to - with hosts Equatorial Guinea waiting.

There are concerns the newly built 5,000 stadium in Ebibeyin is not big enough to host the match - with demand for tickets enormous.

But we have news on this coming up now from Africa...

Team news

DR Congo XI: Kidiaba; Mpeko, Kimwaki, Mongongu, Kasusula; Mbemba, Makiadi, Mubele; Cedric Mabwati, Bolasie, Mbokani

Tunisia XI: Mathlouthi, Maaloul, Abdennour, Ben Youssef, Yaakoubi, Mathlouthi, Ragued, Sassi, Chikhaoui, Khazri, Akaichi.

It can't happen...can it?

Why does drawing lots look like a possibility?

AFP

And DR Congo love a draw too...

BBC

GET INVOLVED

Given we could see lots drawn to decide a teams' fate today, we wondered what you think is the most novel way a contest could be decided?

Also, have you been a part of any strange deciders? Tweet us on #bbcafcon2015.

The permutations

BBC

It doesn't get any simpler I'm afraid.

Tunisia know a point or better will see them progress to the quarter-final, while a win for DR Congo will guarantee their qualification. That is the easy bit.

Should DR Congo draw, as explained below, there is the potential of lots being drawn to decide who goes through - but defeat for them and it is definitely home time.

A loss for Tunisia though and they may still squeeze through. Only a Cape Verde win over Zambia would send them home in that scenario.

The permutations

Getty Images

Brace yourself. We could see the drawing of lots to see a sides' Afcon hopes decided today.

As is the way in final group games, you need a brain like a super computer to process possible outcomes. Below are some based on the Cape Verde fixture but we will keep you in the loop as the match progresses.

Cape Verde win: They go through, Zambia out.

Draw: Takes Cape Verde through if Tunisia beat DR Congo. But a DR Congo win would take them and Tunisia through. If both games ended in a draw, then whoever scores the most goals today out of Cape Verde and DR Congo will progress. Should they score the same number of goals, we would see lots drawn to split the two sides.

Zambia win: They will progress if Tunisia beat or draw with DR Congo. But should DR Congo win, both Zambia and Tunisia would be on four points. Tunisia would progress on their head-to-head record.

Abacus at the ready...

Welcome to some group deciders

Traffic lights, the elevator, and the pressure cooker...what is the common denominator?

They were all invented by Africans.

This innovative, colourful and diverse continent could take us all back to days of of old today. Remember the days where big matches were decided by the toss of a coin? Well how about deciding your group fate by drawing lots? That's potentially on the menu as two games, played at the same time, unfold, with two places in the quarter finals up for grabs.

So shut the doors, take in the pressure and let's go...

BBC