Zambia have taken a 1-0 lead into the interval of their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash against Congo DR this afternoon.
The Red Devils got their tournament off to a dream start when Given Singuluma found the net inside just two minutes, picking up the ball on the edge of the box and firing home after a cross into the box was only half cleared.
Dieumerci Mbokani wasted a fine chance to level things up shortly after as he fired his volley over the bar from all of six yards out.
Both sides had chances to add to the scoring as the first half wore on; Rainford Kalaba forcing Robert Kidiaba into stopping his well-struck free kick, before Chancel Mbemba Mangulu headed Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie's cross over the bar.
Kennedy Mweene produced a fine save to keep his side's advantage intact on the half-hour mark, denying Bolasie's drilled attempt on goal with his feet.
The stopper was on hand once more shortly before the interval, this time keeping out Dieumerci Mbokani in a somewhat more straightforward manner to ensure that the Chipolopola headed into half time ahead.
Daniel Lewis
