Nigeria and Zambia make stuttering starts

[Folami David]

Zambia's chances of emulating Egypt, Ghana and Cameroun as the only nations to retain the African Nations Cup and did not look promising when they began their campaign with a stuttering 1-1 draw against Ethopia on Monday.
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Nigera, seeking their third title and their first since 1994, will also have to improve after outsiders Burkina Faso snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw with last kick of the game at the Mbombela Stadium.
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Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi, whose side were reduced to 10 men when Efe Ambose was sent off in the closing was philosophical about the outcome.
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'' I am going to let the players sleep on it. There is no point in blowing about it tonight '' he said.