Herita Ilunga was on target as DR Congo put their CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign back on track with an excellent 1-1 draw away to Cameroon.
The Leopards had lost their opening fixture last month 4-2 at home to Senegal but were in better form on Saturday in Garoua, opening the scoring in the 36th minute through the Hammers left-back. An own goal levelled the scores barely ten minutes into the second half but the visitors were able to hang on for a precious point.
It was Ilunga's first competitive match since the 11 September defeat by Chelsea and may boost his chances of a return to club action with next Saturday's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The defender was an unused substitute last weekend in the 1-1 home draw with Fulham.
With DR Congo set to meet Group E minnows Mauritius home and away in their next two fixtures in March and June 2011 respectively they will feel confident of staking a claim for top spot in the four-team section. The 2012 finals will be jointly held by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Meanwhile, Victor Obinna is set to figure for Nigeria on Sunday when they travel to Guinea. The Super Eagles were 2-0 winners against Madagascar in their opening Group B fixture last month. Click here for an update on all the international action this weekend.