A second half equalizer from Yannick Bolasie handed Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) a share of the points on day two of the Africa Cup of Nations against 2012 champions Zambia.

Zambia, known as the Copper Bullets, triumphed three years ago when Equatorial Guinea co-hosted the competition with Gabon. But this was unfamiliar territory: a 5000-capacity stadium was carved out of the jungle in time for Equatorial Guinea to stand in as replacement hosts for Morocco.

It was a smooth start for the Copper Bullets who went ahead within 62 seconds thanks to a huge slice of fortune. Robert Kidiaba's weak punch fell kindly to Given Singuluma who tucked home from the edge of the box to break the deadlock.

The textbook African atmosphere was on show - and the exuberance of the crowd matched the dominance of DR Congo who took firm control of the game with three English Premier League players in their side.

Surprisingly, though, they trailed until midway through the second half. In the 66th minute, Crystal Palace's languid attacking-midfielder Bolasie powerfully arrowed a shot into the corner after a neat cutback to the edge of the 18-yard-area.

"We deserved to have won this game because we were the better team today, but we missed many chances and so did not score more than a goal," said DR Congo skipper and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu afterwards.

"We showed fear at the beginning and did not react quickly when we went behind so early in the game. But we showed some good things in the second half after the coach gave us a very good pep talk at half-time."

Tunisia frustrated by Cape Verde

Meanwhile, in the group's other encounter which also ended in a 1-1 draw, under-achieving Tunisia were frustrated by outsiders Cape Verde.

Both teams had strong spells in the game, the Tunisians coming to life after the interval. Aside from striking the woodwork, the fans had to wait until the 70th minute before the first goal.

Tunisia struck first with Ali Monser converting at the back-post, before Cape Verde responded seven minutes later to draw level from the penalty spot.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Heldon scored from 12 yards for the fifth time in his last five competitive outings for Cape Verde who clung on for the third stalemate of the tournament.

Group C, dubbed the 'Group of Death', starts on Monday with Ghana taking on Senegal and pre-tournament favorites Algeria facing South Africa.

rd/jh (AFP)