Zambia coach Herve Renard accepted responsibility for the single point that his team got in an intense Group C match against Ethiopia on Monday night.
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The Africa Cup of Nations champions failed to kill off a 10-man Ethiopia, whose goalkeeper Jemal Tassew saw red after 31 minutes when he foolishly took out Zambia defender Chisamba Lungu.
The Copper Bullets immediately seized their one-man advantage and just before the break Collins 'Ntofotofo' Mbesuma netted the first goal.
The Ethiopians fought back gallantly though and found the net in the 65th minute through forward Adane Girma to earn a valuable point.
"I think today it's the fault of the coach because he did not prepare his side to start very well," said Renard.
"They (Ethiopia) have very good players; they are used to playing together. They showed for all Africa and for all around the world, like their coach said, they play very good football.
"The Zambians did not play well today, but I think the merit today should be with the Ethiopian team."
The Walya Antelopes coach Sewnet Bishaw was pleased with his side that last played in the AFCON in 1982.
"It's fantastic for our football because our players have shown the world that they can play football," said Bishaw.
"Football needs experience and we have been together for a long time. A team needs to play lots of international matches.
"We were able to challenge the defending champions, and as you know Zambia are a very strong team."
Nigeria and Burkina Faso also played to a 1-all draw and this leaves Group C open.
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