PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Favored Ghana was held to a 2-2 draw by fighting DR Congo Sunday in the opening Group B match at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. The Congolese Leopards, who have been embroiled in squabbles over bonuses ahead of the match, showed great character to come from two goals down and take a point. Emmanuel Agyeman Badu gave the Black Stars the lead, and scored the first goal of this tournament, in the 40th minute when he tapped home after a well-worked move involving Kwadwo Asamoah. Juventus star Asamoah doubled Ghana's lead four minutes after half-time when he headed home a corner taken by Mubarak Wakaso. Skipper Tresor Mputu pulled a goal back for the Congolese in the 53rd minute after being put through by Cedric Makiadi. Dieumerci Mbokani drew the Congolese level in the 68th minute by converting a penalty kick after he was fouled by Jerry Akaminko. The small, noisy crowd at the 45,000-seat Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium were treated to an open, entertaining match. Moments before Mbokani equalised, substitute Rabiu Mohammed could have extended the Black Stars' lead, but he hesitated when through on goal and the Leopards cleared the danger. Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba scrambled a powerful Asamoah Gyan shot for corner in the 70th minute and, at the other end, midfielder Youssuf Mulumbu was denied by a fine diving save from goalkeeper Fatau Dauda. The first half was also packed with chances for both teams. On Saturday, Morocco and Angola drew 0-0, leaving the continent's top tournament without a goal after the opening two games. The Moroccans and Angolans created chances at Soccer City, including two in the first five minutes, but failed to convert to leave Group A goalless after 180 minutes. Host South Africa was held to 0-0 by Cape Verde in the same stadium earlier Saturday. Mingo Bile hit a low skidding shot for Angola in the second minute, forcing goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghri to parry. Morocco replied with a rasping drive by Karim El Hamdaoui that Lama saved. In the second half, Angola's Alfonso Guilherme missed an open goal and Manucho sent a diving header wide right at the end. Monday's matches: Zambia vs. Ethiopia and Nigeria vs. Burkina Faso. — Agencies
