Yoane Wissa scored the equalizer as Democratic Republic of Congo got here from behind to attract 1-1 with Zambia of their opening match on the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
Kings Kangwa gave Zambia an early lead within the Ivorian coastal metropolis of San-Pedro after Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi ran out of his space.
However Wissa, who has scored 4 targets within the English Premier League for Brentford this season, completed from shut vary to revive parity earlier than the half-hour mark, and that's the way it ended.
The draw between the 2 neighbours, each former African champions, got here after coveted Group F rivals Morocco began their marketing campaign earlier on the similar stadium with a 3-0 defeat to 10-man Tanzania.
Zambia, coached by Avram Grant, made their comeback after lacking the final three editions of the AFCON and have been on the lookout for their first win on the event since lifting the trophy in opposition to all odds in 2012.
Led by Hervé Renard, the coach of the triumphant staff, who watched from the stands, the Chipolopolo took the lead midway via the primary half.
Mpasi got here operating out of his penalty space to make a deal with, however Zambia shortly took the ensuing throw-in and Kangwa despatched a lob over the goalkeeper, who raced desperately again in the direction of his purpose and into the online.
Nevertheless, 4 minutes later the Leopards have been again on degree phrases when Cedric Bakambu utilized a straightforward end for Wissa.
Congo thought they’d received a penalty simply after the hour mark when the Ethiopian referee dominated that Tandi Mwape had blocked Arthur Masuaku's cross along with his arm.
Nevertheless, the choice was rightly overturned after a evaluation, throughout which the official may see that Mwape had certainly made the block along with his chest.
Zambia then held out for a draw, that means they must play one other neighbor within the type of Tanzania on Sunday.
Sébastien Desabre's Congo will play in opposition to Morocco earlier the identical day.
AFP
