Zambia and Benin have drawn 1-1 in their opening group C game of the 2023 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

After a scoreless first half, Benin who were the livelier of the two sides found the back of the net nine minutes into the second half.

Five minutes later, substitute Rickson Ng’ambi found the equaliser for the former African champions.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Chisi Mbewe expressed sadness with how the boys failed to control play most parts of the game.

Mbewe says heading into the second group C game, his charges will need to up their game.

His opposite number Mathias Déguénon has ruled first half missed chances which he says would have given his side maximum points.

By Nchimunya Ng’andu in Alexandria, Egypt