Zambia were denied an opening day win at the 2015 Africa Cup after DR Congo rallied to finish 1-1 at Ebebiyin.
Zambia took a 1-0 halftime lead through Given Singuluma put but DR Congo broke their southern neighbours hearts when Yannick Bolasie equalised after the hour mark.
Singuluma put them ahead in the 2nd minute with a rebound shot after the ball fell into his path when goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba parried Rainford Kalaba’s shot into his path.
However , it was all DR Congo thereafter and Zambia's only highlight in the opening 45 minutes came in the 17th minute when Kidiaba parried Kalaba's free kick.
Youssouf Mulumbu and Mbokani brought the best out of Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene in the 31st and 36th minutes respectively.
Zambia survived a scare in the 41st minute when Bolasie's goal-bound free kick was deflected out for a corner by Nathan Sinkala.
DR Congo equalised in the 66th minute when an unmarked Bolasie volleyed in the ball after some good work by 63rd minute substitute Cedric Mabwati.
Zambia and DR Congo have one point each heading into their penultimate fixtures on January 22 against Tunisia and Cape verde respectively.