By Steve Vickers BBC Sport, Harare

Zimbabwe played without striker Mwaruwari

Zimbabwe and Zambia played out a 1-1 draw in Harare on Saturday as part of their African Nations Cup preparations.

George Mbwando put the Warriors ahead in the 63rd minute, although television replays suggested that he pushed the ball in with his hand.

But Adubelo Phiri ensured the Chipolopolo were not beaten, equalising from close range in the 85th minute.

Zimbabwe Captain Peter Ndlovu hit the crossbar twice and showed that he will be a key player for his side at Egypt 2006, along with midfielder Esrom Nyandoro.

The Chipolopolo were without their Europe-based trio of Collins Mbesuma, Andrew Sinkala and Jacob Mulenga, while Zimbabwe had all their players, with the exception of France-based Benjamin Mwaruwari.

"Basically we are where we want to be in terms of our preparations, and it's now about gelling together," said Zambia coach Kalusha Bwalya.

"We've got a lot of options upfront, and I'm confident that that sooner or later we'll be playing to the best of our ability."

Saturday's game was the first for Dick De Boer, the Dutch coach hired to assist Mhlauri.

"It was a very useful match, we saw some good things and some areas to work on," De Boer told BBC Sport.

"My role is to try to bring some European influence and to support the coach.

"If we believe in ourselves, we have a chance in Egypt," De Boer said.