Equatorial Guinea progressed into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Tunisia.

Ahmed Akaichi broke the deadlock on 70 minutes as Tunisia found themselves minutes away from ending the host nations' journey in this tournament.

However, Javier Balboa slotted a 93rd-minute penalty, before adding a superb free kick in the 12th minute of extra time to seal his country's progression.

Both sides fashioned and missed one good chance apiece throughout a first half where clear-cut opportunities were at a premium in Bata.

Tunisia midfielder Ferjani Sassi headed agonisingly wide of Felipe Ovono's post on the half-hour mark before Javier Balboa saw his effort cleared off the line.

The visitors emerged from the interval much the better of the sides, and Ovono tipped Akaichi's goal-bound shot over the bar early in the second half.

Georges Leekens's side continued to threaten in the final third, with Wahbi Khazri and Hamza Mathlouthi going close for the 2004 champions.

It proved a sign of things to come, however, as Tunisia finally edged ahead with 20 minutes remaining. Akaichi latched onto Mathlouthi's cross and prodded past Ovono.

Equatorial Guinea should have drawn level, but Middlesbrough forward Emilio Nsue was denied in a one-on-one with Aymen Mathlouthi.

Indeed, the hosts did get back on level terms in timely fashion, as Ivan Bolado won a controversial penalty, which Balboa coolly converted to send the clash into extra time.

Tunisia struggled to regain their composure after that, and Balbao, as he did in the group stages, came to Equatorial Guinea's rescue with a fine free kick to set up a last-four clash with Ghana or Guinea.