Majid Mahmoud saved the day for Al Wahdat club of Jordan by scoring the equaliser five minutes from time against the Zambia national team in the Rashid International soccer tournament on Thursday.
The Africans led 1-0 in the first minute and kept their narrow lead until the 85th minute when they faltered.
Both teams have one point in group B and will be looking for a win in their second match to revive hopes of reaching the semifinals.
The Zambian national team, a mixture of some senior team players and youth, opened their account just 35 seconds after kick-off when Simeo Lubemba took advantage of a rapid move to launch a right footer and beat Jordan custodian Mahmoud Ali.
The Zambians could have increased their tally after that, but for some missed chances.
Al Wahdat stood toe-to-toe with their opponents in the second half and put pressure on their opponent's defence by playing more strikers, following tactical changes by their coach.
The equaliser came from substitute Mahmoud after he was brought on in the 75th minute.
Rafat Ali lost a good chance in the 53rd minute when his powerful attempt went over the bar and Zambian defender Ackson Phiri almost scored an own goal in the 65th minute when his header, from an Awad Raghib cross, hit the post.
The Jordanians went in search for the equaliser. In the 72nd minute Raghib squandered a chance with the goal wide open in front of him. But he made amends later by sending a floating free kick inside the Zambian box and Majid's header beat custodian Kenedy Mweene.
In the first match, Iran's Estighlal Club were held to a goalless draw by Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Department (ADWED).
The engagement was marred by rough play and ADWED defender Francis Okoly was issued marching orders in the 32nd minute following a harsh tackle.
