Zambia were left frustrated after surrendering their lead to draw 1-1 with Burundi in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group I qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday.

Edward Chilufya put the Chipolopolo ahead in the 64th minute, but Jean Girumugisha struck 17 minutes later to earn Burundi a share of the spoils and deny Zambia maximum points on home soil.

The result was a disappointing outcome for George Lwandamina’s side, who had hoped to capitalise on home advantage and strengthen their position in the race for a place at the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The first half offered little in terms of clear-cut opportunities, with both sides struggling to establish control of the contest.

Burundi threatened early through Jean Girumugisha, whose powerful effort was kept out by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza in the ninth minute. The rebound fell kindly for Kanakimana, but his attempt went wide.

Zambia also had opportunities to break the deadlock, with Albert Kangwanda’s seventh-minute free-kick saved by Jonathan Nahimana, while another set-piece from the midfielder was dealt with by the Burundi defence.

The teams went into the break goalless, with neither side able to make the breakthrough.

Lwandamina introduced Eliya Mandanji for Derrick Bulaya at the start of the second half as Zambia looked to inject more attacking impetus into their play.

The hosts gradually grew into the contest, with captain Fashion Sakala providing a spark down the left flank. In the 56th minute, the skipper beat his markers before delivering a dangerous low cross into the box, but Kangwanda’s effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Kangwanda continued to trouble the Burundi defence and came close again in the 63rd minute when his well-struck free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Nahimana.

Zambia eventually got their breakthrough a minute later.

Chilufya fired a low effort past Nahimana after good work from Kangwanda, sending the home supporters into celebration and giving the Chipolopolo a deserved 1-0 lead.

However, Zambia were unable to protect their advantage.

Burundi restored parity in the 81st minute through Girumugisha, who found the back of the net to silence the home crowd and leave the contest finely balanced.

Zambia made a triple substitution in the 77th minute, bringing on Gift Mphande, Wilson Chisala and Zephania Phiri for Kangwanda, Chilufya and Prince Mumba, but the changes failed to produce another goal.

Despite five minutes of added time, the Chipolopolo could not find a late winner as Burundi held on for a valuable away point.

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday in Bujumbura, where Zambia will be seeking a response and a positive result in the return fixture.