Zambia and DR Congo drew 1-1 as the opening round of group games at the Africa Cup of Nations came to a close.
Against the run of play, Kings Kangwa made the most of a defensive mix-up to put Zambia ahead in the 23rd minute.
Just four minutes later, the Leopards were level in the Group F match thanks to a close-range equaliser from Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
DR Congo were awarded a second-half penalty for handball, but the decision was overturned after a video review.
DR Congo made the brighter start in an entertaining contest, dominating the early exchanges, but it was the 2012 champions who took the lead in humid conditions in San Pedro.
The opener came after DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi veered out of his box to clear the ball into touch and collided with Leicester forward Patson Daka in the process.
The Leopards claimed he had been fouled – but Daka took a quick throw-in and Kangwa took advantage of the keeper being off his line, hitting a right-footed shot from distance which evaded two defenders and the retreating Mpasi on its way into the bottom left-hand corner.
Zambia’s celebrations had barely finished before Wissa finished off from close range after a well-timed run and pass from Cedric Bakambu – once Africa’s most expensive player.
The Leopards, who won the Afcon title as Congo-Kinshasa in 1968 and as Zaire in 1974, pounded Zambia’s box for the rest of the match but could not find a winner.
All four Group F sides will return to action on Sunday, with leaders Morocco playing DR Congo before Zambia take on Tanzania.
