Zambia came from behind to snatch a hard fought 1-1 draw against Benin at the TotalEnergies Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night.
Substitute Rickson Ng'ambi scored on the hour mark to rescue a point for Chisi Mbewe's team following Rodolfo Aloko's clever goal for the Cheetahs.
Benin dominated the match with their free flowing attacking football causing Zambia all sorts of problems at the back with Tessilimi Olatoundji and Samidou Bawa pressing high.
FULL-TIME! ?
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 21, 2023
The points are shared at Alexandria Stadium ?? #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/EAra4EapSa
Songa Chipyoka gave away possession just outside the Zambian area but Aloko's ferocious effort was blocked for a corner as Benin upped the ante.
The Chipolopolo were again caught napping in defence when Aloko regained possession around the area, his stylish back heel pass found Farid Edou whose effort was blocked.
Benin broke the deadlock 13 minutes after the restart through Rodolfo Aloko's cheeky finish. The Dynamo D'abomey attacking midfielder turned his marker in the area before poking an effort past Jeban Tembo to give the West Africans a deserved lead.
The Cheetahs lead didn't last long as Rickson Ng'ambi leveled the scored on the hour mark for Chisi Mbewe's Chipolopolo.
Derrick Bulaya closed down the Benin keeper Dava Agossa forcing him to miscue his clearance which allowed the former to Bulaya regain possession to set up Ng'ambi who drew his side level.
The Zambians improved after their equaliser and came close through Kingston.