The Panthers of Gabon picked up a convincing 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in the second Group A tie at the on-going 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who features for Borussia Dortmund in the Germany Bundesliga gave Gabon the lead after 19 minutes with a well taken goal when he ran onto a through ball and saw his first attempt rebound off the keeper. But then he slotted the ball into the roof of the net on the rebound.

The Burkina Faso team tried to fight back to get a goal, but star man Jonathan Pitroipa failed to convert two seemingly easy chances.

In the second half Burkina Faso returned strongly and put Gabon under pressure, but Gabon played tight at the back. Alain Traore’s two consecutive free kicks from close range missed the target.

Two minutes later Malick Evouna increased Gabon’s lead with a well headed goal. The match will be remembered for the heroics of Gabon keeper Ovono who stood tall against Burkina Faso’s feared attacking players.

The win places Coach Jorge Costa’s team top of Group A with three points and two goals, while Equatorial Guinea and Congo Brazzaville who drew 1-1 are joint second.

Meanwhile, Thievy Bifouma scored late on for Congo Brazzaville to deny hosts Equatorial Guinea victory in the opening match of the Afcon at a packed Bata Stadium yesterday. Middlesbrough’s Emilio Nsue poked the hosts in front on 16 minutes, despite appearing to be offside.

Francis N’Ganga hit a post as Congo came on strong in the closing stages before former West Brom forward Thievy Bifouma equalized from inside the area. Congo should have won it but Dominique Malonga of Hibs missed from six yards.

It was an exciting start to a tournament that has been surrounded by concerns about Equatorial Guinea’s readiness to host. The Central African country took on the challenge only in November after Morocco’s plea to postpone the event because of their fears about Ebola was rejected by the Confederation of African Football.

Agencies