Gabon have won their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time by registering a surprise 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso staged the first attack of any note as Bertrand Traore hit a deft volley towards goal in the 13th minute, forcing opposing goalkeeper Didier Ovono into a comfortable save.

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Gabon took an undeserved lead in the 19th minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang carved out an opening for himself and curled the ball into the top corner after shrugging off a challenge from Wilfried Sanou.

Burkina Faso continued to dominate the possession but Gabon came close to doubling their lead just after the half-hour mark as Didier Ndong fired wide from Borussia Dortumund man Aubameyang's cutback.

The trailing side were wrongly denied a penalty kick minutes later as Norbert Zongo raced clear of his marker and was pushed to the ground by Ecuele Manga, only for the referee to turn away.

Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances in the early stages of the second half, but Alain Traore almost levelled things from a set piece just after the hour mark, the Lorient striker's effort sailing narrowly over.

Frederic Bulot should have put his side further in front moments later as he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Germain Sanou, but directed his effort straight at the onrushing goalkeeper.

Burkina Faso looked dangerous going forward, but Gabon pegged them further back in the 72nd minute as Malick Evouna rose high in the box and met Bulot Wagha's cross with a bullet header that hit the back of the net.

The result propels Gabon to the top of Group A after one game, while 2013 runners-up Burkina Faso will take heart from the fact that they drew two of their three group matches that year and still progressed.

Written by
Mark Langshaw