Bata (Equatorial Guinea), Jan 21 (IANS): Cameroon were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Mali while Cote d'Ivoire drew with hosts Equatorial Guinea by the same scoreline in Group D matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) football tournament.

Cup favourites Cameroon, who conceded only one goal in qualifying for the tournament, needed a late goal to earn a point in the second match of Group D Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

Defender Ambroise Oyongo capitalised on a long pass from midfielder Raoul Loe in the 84th minute to level the score after centre-half Sambou Yatabare had given Mali the lead in the 71st.

In the other Group D match, striker Mohamed Yattara scored for hosts Guinea in the 36th minute to put his team ahead.

Things turned worse for Cote d'Ivoire in the 57th minute when striker Gervinho was shown a straight red card, leaving the Cup favourites struggling with 10 men.

Second-half substitute Seydou Doumbia saved Cote d'Ivoire's day by scoring the leveller in the 72nd after a pass from striker Wilfried Bony.

Cote d'Ivoire next take on Mali while Cameroon face Guinea in the group's next round of matches Saturday.