LEAD: Hosts off to flying start in Africa Cup

By Peter Auf der Heyde Jan 23, 2012, 19:34 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.

Gabon's German coach Gernot Rohr said that it had been very important for his side to get off to a winning start. 'There was a lot of pressure on us and I am very happy that we managed to deliver.

'We have failed to convert our chances in the games leading up to our opening match and it was a huge relief when we scored the first. I think our next two games will be more difficult, but we have three points in the bag.'

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.

Niger captain Idrissa Laouali said he believed the side still had a chance to escape the group. 'We still have two games to play and we will try our best to get a result.

'It is not easy to play against the hosts as they have all the support, but I think we did not do too badly.'

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