SAINTS striker Emmanuel Mayuka was a late substitute for Zambia as the holders opened the defence of their African Nations Cup title with a disappointing 1-1 draw in an eventful Group C clash with ten-man Ethiopia at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Ethiopia's Saladin Said saw his weak penalty saved in the 23rd minute and Sewnet Bishaw's team were reduced to ten men just after the half hour when goalkeeper Jemal Tassew charged out of his area and made a terrible high challenge on Chisamba Lungu.

Zambia made their numerical superiority count in first-half injury time through Collins Mbesuma, but Adane Girma equalised on 64 minutes.