Hosts off to flying start in Africa Cup

Jan 23, 2012, 18:08 GMT

Libreville, Gabon - An impressive Gabon side beat Niger 2-0 in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match in Libreville on Monday.

Gabon, who are co-hosting the January 21 - February 12 tournament with Equatorial Guinea, scored twice in the first half through Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Stephane Nguema.

The home side dominated the group C game in the Stade de l'Amitie and could well have won by a much higher score, had it not been for some brilliant saves from Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda.

Daouda, who plays his club football for Cameroon team Cotonsport Garoua, bravely dived at the feet of Aubameyang in the 19th minute to deny the Saint-Etienne striker.

He was, however, at fault on the half hour as he came off the line to intercept Nguema's cross, but failed to connect and allowed Aubameyang a free header.

The 22-year-old Aubameyang, whose father Pierre was in the Gabon squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, was also involved in the second goal as his header from a Charly Moussono cross was blocked by Daouda, but Nguema was on hand to push the ball over the line just before the break.

There were fewer chances in the second half, as the heat took its toll on the players.

First-timers Niger nearly pulled a goal back in the 78th minute as Sulliman Mazadou tested Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono with a header.

Aubameyang came close eight minutes from the end with a long-range effort that went just wide and then received a huge cheer as he was substituted for Daniel Cousin.

Group favorites Tunisia and Morocco were to face each other later Monday in the same stadium.