Having watched the three other groups get their campaigns underway in Rwanda, both sides were hoping to get off to a perfect start in Group D but the tie proved cagey in the early stages.

Zimbabwe, though, had an ideal opportunity to take a lead into the half-time interval, when Edmore Chirambadare was sent clean through on Zambia’s goalkeeper.

The striker proved unable to hold his nerve as he fired past the post from close range, leaving the match goalless at the break.

Chirambadare was made to rue his miss as the Zambian team, containing 2012 African Nations Cup winners Chansa and Chris Katongo, eventually made the breakthrough.

With 30 minutes of the match remaining, Katongo swung a free kick into the Zimbabwean box and Chansa was able to turn home from close range.

The 31-year-old’s effort proved to be the decisive moment of the game, as their opponents proved unable to respond in the closing stages.

Uganda were left frustrated at the end of their opening match of the tournament, as they twice spurned a winning position against Mali.

Joseph Ochaya had given them an ideal start to their third appearance at the tournament, with the left back rising highest to head a free-kick into the Mali net, after 11 minutes.

Their lead lasted only 12 minutes as 16-year-old Sekou Koita, who played for Mali at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, skilfully controlled a cross into the Ugandan box and slotted past goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.

On the brink of half-time Uganda restored their advantage, captain Faruku Miya scoring from a penalty following a foul on Erisa Ssekisambu.

Uganda were dealt a blow early in the second half when Watenga needed to be substituted following an injury and the resultant change of goalkeeper disrupted their team.

Just five minutes after coming on, Mathias Kigonya was forced to pick the ball out of his net as Hamidou Sinayoko turning a cross beyond him to level the score at 2-2.

Neither side were able claim a decisive third goal in the remaining minutes, leaving both teams having to settle for a point.

The African Nations Championship differs from football's more elite Africa Cup of Nations, as only players who represent clubs on the continent are allowed to take part in the biennial event.

Defending champions Libya are not participating in the tournament, having failed to come through the qualification tournament.