It was Cape Verde who came closest to snatching what would have been a sensational victory as they carved out three chances in the seven minutes of stoppage time.
First Semedo had an effort headed off the line by Muhanad Eito and a minute later Nuno Da Costa was denied by the feet of Al Wuheesi when he could have squared to Semedo for a tap-in.
Then came a moment of controversy in the 96th minute when a four-on-one Cape Verde counter attack was cut short by what appeared to be an erroneous offside flag.
The visiting bench and substitutes erupted in protest but, with no video assistant referee in operation in African qualifiers, were forced to settle for a draw despite putting the ball in the net.
The result effectively ends Libya’s hopes of finishing second in the group and qualifying via play-offs, due to their vastly inferior goal difference, but gives fresh hope to continental heavyweights Cameroon, who remain in the hunt after second half goals from Moumi Ngamaleu and Bryan Mbeumo gave the Indomitable Lions a 2-0 win in Mauritius.
Cape Verde remain top of Group D on 20 points, with Cameroon second on 18 points but with a far superior goal difference to the islanders.
The group winners are guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup, while the second-placed side could reach the African play-offs and have a chance to progress to a final intercontinental qualifier.
Cape Verde host Eswatini in the final round of group games on Monday and Cameroon host Angola, with both games kicking off at 16:00 GMT.
