Defending Champions Zambia failed to kick start their 2013 Nations Cup campaign on a winning note after being held by Cecafa representatives Ethiopia to a one-all draw in the opening game of group C played at Mbombela Stadium in Nespruit.
Chipolopolo took a first half lead through veteran striker Collins Mbesuma at the death of half time but Ethiopia levelled matters through danger man Adane Girima in the second half.
Zambia dominated proceedings in the opening quarter of the game and threatened through a fierce shot from Stopilla Sunzu in the 3rd minute and later Collins Mbesuma but were lucky to survive falling behind on the 16th minute mark after Said Salehedin’s looped ball after skipping Sunzu who had a sluggish game went over the bar with Zambian custodian Kennedy Mweene already beaten.
In the 23rd minute, Zambia had Mweene to thank for a penalty save from Said after the striker was fouled in the forbidden area by Chisamba Lungu who had a brilliant game.
In the 34th minute, Ethiopia suffered a double blow after first goalie Jemal Tessew got marching orders for a bad tackle on Chisamba. On a sad note though, Jemal had to be stretchered off the pitch as he suffered an injury in the incident.
Coach Bishaw had to sacrifice midfielder Shimelese Bekele for goalie Zerihun Tadelle
Zambia capitalised on their numerical advantage afterwards with a dominant performance and got their reward in the last minute of the first half added time when Mbesuma intelligently chested Isaac Chansa’s headed pass and smashed a left foot low shot past Bekele to give the champions a half time lead.
After recess, Ethiopia still took the game to Renard’s charges and their efforts were rewarded in the 66th minute when Adane Girma found the back of the net with a well taken low shot that hit the base of the post before settling in the net to send the watching Ethiopian spectators into frenzy.
Despite a late surge from Chipolopolo, after the introduction of Jacob Mulenga and Emmanuel Mayuka, Ethiopians held on till the final whistle for a historical point.
Ethiopia are making their first appearance at the finals for the first time since 1982.
Zambia now set their sights on Nigeria hoping to redeem themselves while Ethiopia have another chance for a potential giant killing act against Burkina Faso on December 25.
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