Zambia surrendered a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 with Burundi in their Group I Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The Chipolopolo endured a difficult first-half performance, with Burundi dominating possession and creating the better chances. The visitors managed a shot on target and forced goalkeeper Willard Mwanza into two crucial saves.

However, Zambia looked more organised after the break and gradually regained control of the game, a spell that eventually produced the opening goal. Edward Chilufya put the Chipolopolo ahead in the 65th minute after connecting with an Albert Kangwanda cross.

With just ten minutes remaining, Zambia introduced Gift Mpande, Zephania Phiri and Wilson Chisala for Prince Mumba, Albert Kangwanda and Chilufya.

However, the changes were quickly followed by a setback as Burundi found an equaliser through Jean Girumugisha in the 81st minute. Fashion Sakala lost possession after a failed attempt to control the ball, allowing Burundi to launch a counterattack that ended with Girumugisha finding the net.

“Very disappointing result, we didn’t play the way we had anticipated. We didn’t cordinate, it was in flashes, we play we fail, the other team was trying to control the game,” Lwandamina said after the match.

“But in the second half we tried to push very hard.”

Lwandamina explained that the late substitutions were prompted by injuries, while he also wanted to rest some players ahead of the return fixture. However, he admitted that the changes contributed to the team’s collapse.

“ofcourse injuries came in, we had to make rushed decisions that’s where we even collapsed again.”

Zambia remains second in Group I with four points from three games, sitting below leaders Algeria who lead the group with four points but a with a superior goal difference.

Meanwhile Burundi is bottom with 2 points from three games while Togo is third with 3 points.