Zambia and the Democratic Republic Congo played to a 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Group F on Wednesday night.
Veteran Stoppila Sunzu was givem a start as the only survivor from the 2012 triumph, with Roderick Kabwe, Kings Kangwa, Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka included too, while Cedric Bakambu led the line for the Leopards.
Chipolopolo were under intense bit of pressure and were bombarded with waves and waves of attacks from the Leopards, who battled to penetrate the low-block effectively.
Nonetheless, Avram Grant's men were in the lead when a miscommunication in defence allowed Kangwa to retrieve possession and arrowed the net.
DRC didn't trail for long though as Bakambu pulled to the right of box to send in a low and hard cross where Yoane Wissa arrived on time to tap in a gaping net.
Wissa would be denied a brace in quick succession as Sunzu raced back to the goal-line with defence having committed to smother of the line.
The DRC enjoyed a lively opening in the second half and could've gone ahead through a succession chances from Bakambu and Wissa but nether capitalised.
DRC were given a penalty on 60 minutes after a hand-ball in the area, but Bamlak Tessema was called over to the pitch-side and after review, reversed the decision to award a spot-kick.
Chipolopolo remained on the edge thereafter though, as the Leopards continued to probe on all fronts with Wissa notably causing all the worrying signs.
The two teams couldn't be separated closer to full-time and in the end had to settle for a point apiece.
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