Zimbabwe 1 Congo 1

The Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Leopard of DR Congo played to a one all draw in their Group B clash on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The result opens up the group, and puts all teams in contention for a place at the next stage of the competition designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic.

DR Congo maintains her position at the apex with four points followed by Zimbabwe on two points, with Ghana and Libya, who play later at the same venue in that order.

Victory will have seen the Leopards become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, but the outcome means they will know their fate after the final fixture against Ghana on Sunday.

The Warriors, who slumped to a two-goal lead in their opening clash against Zambia last Monday, again displayed an output that confirms their thirst for success at the novelty championship.

They had a bright start and could have been up by the fifth minute but Chirato Edmore and Philip Marifu blasted wide in the 3rd and 5th minutes respectively.

The Leopards, however were the first to score and dangerman Mputu Mabi ensured that on 19 minutes when he headed home from Bedi Mbenza pass at the edge of the Zimbabwe goal area.

The Warriors responded positively and Marufu drew parity with a header from a corner-kick on the 28th minute mark.

The Congolese was gifted with an opportunity to take the lead once again but Mbenza’s effort kissed the post.

The second half was a ding dong battle but the Congolese efforts towards the winner yielded no dividends.

In the 78th minute, Mputu’s screamer missed by inches and ten minutes later, substitute Mvete Luyeye headed wayward just in front of goal.

Zimbabwe will play Libya in their final game on Sunday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.