Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre believes his side should have won the Africa Cup of Nations game against Zambia and was left frustrated by their inability to do so in the 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

It was the Leopards, who started brightly but fell behind against the run of play when Kings Kangwa capitalised on a goalkeeping error to fire the Chipolopolo ahead in the 23rd minute However, the Congolese deservedly drew level just before half-time when Yoane Wissa converted Cedric Bakambu’s low cross.

“I regret that my attackers were not able to put the ball in the net more than once with all the chances we had,” said Desabre after the game, adding: “We were playing well, enterprising, we offered great football but unfortunately, we regret all our missed opportunities. “We knew the speed of their attackers. We did everything we could to cut off their passing lines and it worked. But once again, I am satisfied with my team but not with the result.”

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Next up for the Leopards is a crunch clash against tournament favourites Morocco, who beat Tanzania 3-0 in the other group opener. Speaking on the game, Desabre said: “We will recover well. Of course, we will still play well as we were this evening. It wasn’t a final. There are still two finals remaining and the ambition is to win the next two matches.

“Above all, I hope that my attackers will be more effective.”

The draw left DR Congo behind Morocco on goal difference after the Atlas Lions thrashed Tanzania 3-0 earlier on Sunday. Morocco’s emphatic win over the Taifa Stars meant the Atlas Lions top Group D with three points followed by DR Congo and Zambia with a point each.