Substitute Brennan Johnson struck late on to get Wales off the mark in the Nations League with their first point in a deserved 1-1 draw against Belgium.

The Red Devils have often struggled against Wales in recent times, namely at Euro 2016 when losing at the quarter-final stage, and they were again frustrated on Saturday.

Youri Tielemans' 50th-minute strike looked as though it would prove enough for Belgium, who were without the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku in Cardiff.

But Wales, who had an early Ethan Ampadu strike contentiously ruled out by VAR, equalised in the 86th minute through Johnson's effort to leave the visitors frustrated.

Ampadu thought he had put Wales ahead inside five minutes through his first international goal – a powerful drive that flashed past Koen Casteels – only for VAR to intervene.

After a long check, the officials adjudged Joe Rodon was in an offside position in the build-up to Ampadu firing a loose ball in the box from a corner into the back of the net.

Gareth Bale and Connor Roberts failed to test Casteels from close range, while an even better chance went begging for Leandro Trossard when turning wide with the goal gaping.

Belgium took just five minutes of the second half to find a way through, however, as Tielemans linked up with Michy Batshuayi and found the bottom-right corner from 18 yards.

Wales' hopes of snatching a leveller appeared to be dented when Bale was taken off in the 73rd minute, but replacement Johnson proved an inspired change.

The Nottingham Forest winger tucked home after being played in by fellow substitute Aaron Ramsey, the goal allowed to stand after another VAR check for offside.