Zambia coach Avram Grant admitted his side were second best following their 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the opening match of their Group F campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast.

Kings Kangwa put Chipolopolo ahead with an excellent piece of opportunism after the Congolese goalkeeper was caught off his line, but shortly afterwards Yoane Wissa equalised for their opponents.

Zambia had to ride their luck a little in the second period to come away with what could be a good point in the end as they next face Tanzania on Tuesday.

“Every game is different and the next one will be different from this one,” Grant said. “We will surely put in place another tactic to seek victory against Tanzania.

“It was a difficult match for both teams but DR Congo were much better than us. We moved the ball well but it was difficult for our attackers against big, strong defenders.”

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre believes his side should have won the game and was left frustrated by their inability to do so.

“I regret that my attackers were not able to put the ball in the net more than once with all the chances we had,” he said. “We were playing well, enterprising, we offered great football but unfortunately, we regret all our missed opportunities.

“We knew the speed of their attackers. We did everything we could to cut off their passing lines and it worked. But once again, I am satisfied with my team but not with the result.”

Next up is a crunch clash against tournament favourites Morocco.

“We will recover well. Of course, we will still play well as we were this evening. It wasn’t a final. There are still two finals remaining and the ambition is to win the next two matches. Above all, I hope that my attackers will be more effective.”