The squad had shared a seven-figure bonus after winning their first game of the tournament three years ago, but Congo Brazzaville put paid to any hopes of windfall this time around.
A late equalizer from Thievy Bifouma canceled out captain Emilio Nsue Lopez’s opening goal for the hosts.
Bifouma, who plays his club football in Spain with UD Almeria, put the ball through goalkeeper Felipe Ovono’s legs in the 87th minute to earn Congo a share of the points.
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Human rights groups also describe the nation as “one of the world’s most repressive societies.”
For the 16 teams competing for the AFCON crown, it is hoped the old adage “football is the real winner” will once again ring true at the end of the three week competition.
