By Mike Collett NELSPRUIT, South Africa, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Herve Renard, charismatic French coach of African champions Zambia, took the blame for their 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in their opening match at the Nations Cup, saying his tactical blunder cost the holders two points. Renard, 44, who led Zambia to the African title a year ago and is now preparing for Friday's heavyweight clash against Nigeria, told reporters that his tactical gamble for a second goal when his side were leading 1-0 on Monday did not pay off.

NELSPRUIT, South Africa, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Teams for the opening Group C match at the African Nations Cup finals between holders Zambia and Ethiopia on Monday: Zambia: 16-Kennedy Mweene; 6-Davies Nkausu, 5-Hichani Himoonde, 13-Stopilla Sunzu, 4-Joseph Musonda; 3-Chisamba Lungu, 8-Isaac Chansa, 19-Nathan Sinkala, 17-Rainford Kalaba, 11-Chris Katongo; 9-Collins Mbesuma

NDOLA, Zambia, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Zambia played out a goalless draw with Norway on Saturday in their final warm-up match before starting the defence of their African Nations Cup title in South Africa later this month. Zambia failed to score for a fourth successive warm-up game, although they dominated proceedings on Saturday but failed to capitalise on several good opportunities. Norway, with a team of home based players, beat South Africa 1-0 in Cape Town on Tuesday in the first game on their two-match tour.