Democratic Republic of Congo came from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against Zambia in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San-Pedro.

In the Ivorian coastal city of San-Pedro, Kings Kangwa gave Zambia an early lead after Congolese custodian Lionel Mpasi hurriedly left his area.

But before the half-hour mark, Brentford’s Wissa, who has four goals in the English Premier League this season, finished from close range to restore parity, and that was how it ended.

The two neighbours, who are both former African champions, drew after highly anticipated Group F rivals Morocco opened their campaign in the same stadium with a 3-0 victory over 10-man Tanzania.

Avram Grant’s Zambia was making a triumphant return to the AFCON after missing the previous three editions. They were aiming for their first victory since they unexpectedly won the trophy in 2012.

Halfway through the first half, the Chipolopolo took the lead with coach Herve Renard of that victorious team watching from the stands.

Mpasi sprinted out of his box to make a tackle, but Zambia quickly recovered and Kangwa fired a lob over the custodian as he scrambled desperately back towards his goal and into the net.

But four minutes later, Cedric Bakambu squared for Wissa to apply a simple finish, bringing the Leopards back to par.

Just after the hour, Congo believed they had won a penalty when the Ethiopian referee determined that Tandi Mwape had used his arm to block Arthur Masuaku’s cross.

After a review, the official was able to determine that Mwape had actually made the block with his chest, so the decision was appropriately reversed.

After that, Zambia managed to draw, putting them in a position to play Tanzania on Sunday—another of their neighbours.

Morocco and Sebastien Desabre’s Congo will play earlier that day.

Photo by Gavin Barker/BackpagePix