Zambia began the defence of their African Nations Cup crown in frustrating fashion yesterday with a 1-1 draw against an Ethiopia side reduced to 10-man after their goalkeeper was red-carded for a wild chest-high tackle.

Jemal Tassew’s sending off caused an 11-minute delay as the Group C match descended into near chaos with angry Ethiopian fans throwing bottles and vuvuzelas on to the pitch.

They were already upset after their key player Saladin Seid missed a penalty in the 25th minute having already been deprived of an earlier goal when the ball bounced over an open goal on the hard surface.

Zambia went in front when Collins Mbesuma fired a left-footed half-volley past substitute keeper Zerihun Tadelle.

However, Ethiopia equalised in the 65th minute when their skipper Adane Girma powered home a shot that went in off the post and they held on for a point.day.

Other result: Nigeria vs Burkina Faso 1-1.