Yannick Bolasie earned the Democratic Republic of Congo a point in their African Nations Cup opener against Zambia.
Zambia were ahead just 62 seconds in through Given Singuluma but Crystal Palace forward Bolasie fired home the equaliser midway through the second half.
The two teams therefore started with a point apiece in a Group B table that also includes Tunisia and Cape Verde.
The early opener came when Rainford Kalaba's cross from the left, aimed at Ronald Kampamba, was only parried to the edge of the box by DR Congo keeper Robert Kidiaba.
Chisamba Lungu controlled but Singuluma took charge and curled a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Dieumerci Mbokani blazed over from six yards at the other end after Kennedy Mweene fumbled away Mpeko Issama's low cross, by far DR Congo's best chance of the first half .
Kidiaba punched away Kalaba's 30-yard free-kick, which he could easily have held, and Singuluma shot wide.
Mbokani flashed a long-range effort wide and Chancel Mbemba headed Ndombe Mubele's free-kick over the bar.
Kalaba worked space for a cross which troubled Mbemba, who was rescued by his keeper Kidiaba.
Mweene made a good save with his right foot after Bolasie failed to connect cleanly with a 15-yard effort and Emmanuel Mbola made an important clearance as Zambia preserved their lead to the interval.
Mbokani stretched to reach Ndombe Mubele's cross early in the second half but could not steer the ball goalwards.
He sent another shot wide before Bolasie's poor free-kick was easily taken by Mweene in a quiet start to the second half.
But DR Congo were level in the 66th minute when Mbola gave the ball away to substitute Cedrick Mabwati , just on for Mubele, and his cut-back was finished by Bolasie.
Singuluma was booked for a bad challenge on Mbokani before Lungu's low curler was saved by Kidiaba.
Junior Kabananga shot wide at the other end and Mbokani improvised a bicycle kick from a tight angle which was parried by Mweene.
Mbemba poked wide in stoppage time, though he had been harshly penalised for a foul on Mweene in any case, and the match ended all square.
Source: PA
