The Zambia National Team drew 1-1 with the Indomitable Lions in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly match at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Both the Indomitable Lions and the Chipolopolo Boys made their intentions clear from the start, with Yongwa Ngameni missing a chance after a cross from Castelletto in the sixth minute and Fashion Sakala shooting off target four minutes later.

Leicester City striker Patson Daka scored in the 11th minute to put the Chipolopolo ahead after Sakala had missed his chance.

It was Daka’s 19th senior Chipolopolo goal in 41 appearances since making his debut in 2015.

He equaled former Chipolopolo striker Kenneth Malitoli’s international tally which he achieved in 80 caps.

Cameroon’s come back

However, Cameroon equalized in the 20th minute when Ngameni tapped in from close range, catching the Zambian defence off guard.

Avram Grant made substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing in Lameck Banda, Kings Kangwa, Lubambo Musonda, and Roderick Kabwe for Fashion Sakala, Golden Mafwenta, Frankie Musonda, Edward Chilufya, and Zephaniah Phiri.

Daka was also replaced by Kennedy Musonda in the 59th minute, and Kelvin Kapumbu was substituted for Miguel Chaiwa.

Goalkeeper Francis Mwansa also replaced Lawrence Mulenga and nearly cost the team in the 72nd minute with a poor pass to Chaiwa.

Despite both teams creating good scoring chances, the match ended 1-1, with Lameck Banda coming close twice but failing to score in the dying minutes.

Zambia’s next game will be at the AFCON in Group F against DR Congo on January 17th in San Pedro. They are in the same group as Morocco, Tanzania, and the Congo. 

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Cameroon, on the other hand, will open their AFCON campaign on January 15 in Yamoussoukro.

They are in Group C alongside Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal.