• Group B: Zambia 1-1 Democratic of Congo
• Palace midfielder Bolasie hits second-half equaliser for DRC
• Congo hit back after Zambia take the lead after only 62 seconds
A second-half equaliser by Crystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie earned the Democratic Republic of Congo a point in their opening African Nations Cup Group B game against Zambia in Ebebiyin .
Congo had been caught cold at the start when Given Singuluma scored for Zambia after 62 seconds. A cross from the left by Rainford Kalaba, intended for Ronald Kampamba, was parried to the edge of the box by Congo keeper Robert Kidiaba. The waiting Chisamba Lungu controlled the ball but Singuluma took over to curl a first-time shot into the bottom corner.
Soon afterwards Dieumerci Mbokani spurned Congo’s best chance of the first half when he fired over from six yards after Zambia’s goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene had fumbled Mpeko Issama’s low cross.
Mweene saved with his right foot after Bolasie failed to connect cleanly from 15 yards – and Emmanuel Mbola made a vital clearance to preserve Zambia’s lead at the interval.
However, Congo were level in the 66th minute when Mbola gave the ball away to substitute Cedrick Mabwati, just on for Ndombe Mubele, and his cut-back was finished by Bolasie.
Singuluma was booked for a bad challenge on Mbokani, who later produced an overhead kick from a tight angle which was parried by Mweene.