Abidjan — Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo played to a one-all draw in a balanced game in the second day of play of the African Nations Championship.

In the aptly-chosen words of Zimbabwean coach Sunday Marimo after the match, it was a game of missed chances. Both teams laid on a spectacle of football and both had their opportunities but failed to capitalize on them.

The "Warriors" of Zimbabwe made their intentions clear as early as the second and third minutes, when two clear opportunities were missed by the duo Marufu Philip and Kururu Ovidi.

And not only the Zimbabwean side could be accused of clumsiness. Tresor Mputo of the DRC was alone in the attack and was repeatedly overpowered by a very solid Zimbabwean defence block. He nevertheless managed to get himself forgotten at the far post at the 20th minute and succeeded in heading in a beautiful cross from the right, adding to his tally as the leading goal scorer of the tournament.

This goal acted as a stimulant for the side coached by former Congolese international Mutumbile Santos, which went on to dominate the rest of the first half. The Zimababweans were, however, far from giving up.

The Warriors continued to pressure their opponents, not only to contain the Congolese but with the aim of finding an equaliser. This was to come in almost the exact way in which the DRC scored their goal. Zimbabwe scored through a corner which was easily converted by an unchallenged header from Philip Marufu, the most dangerous player in the Zimbabwean side. (1-1 29th minute.)

After the equaliser, the game became criss-crossed with missed chances.

Although the Congolese were the more aggressive side - notably in the 34th, 39th and 43rd minutes - both teams retired to the dressing room at half time with one goal a piece.

In the second half both teams launched numerous offensives, but neither was able to find the net and that is the way the game stayed until the final whistle.

The DRC has only itself to blame for missing the opportunity of picking up a ticket to the next round.

Translated from the original French by Michael Tantoh.