Gabon have gone top of Group A thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Malick Evouna. Aubameyang struck in the first half with a composed effort, while Evouna's header was unstoppable. Burkina Faso dominated nearly the entire game, but an inspired Didier Ovono and some poor finishing helped the Gabonese to a huge victory.

These two sides were trying to get an early advantage in Group A, after Equatorial Guinea and Congo drew 1-1 in the tournament's opening game.

The noticeable names of Bakary Kone, Jonathan Pitroipa, Charles Kabore, Bertrand and Alain Traore all started for Burkina Faso.

Gabon also had some star quality in their starting line-up, with Cardiff City's Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund featuring.

It was Bertrand Traore who was first to sting the gloves of Didier Ovono, with the Chelsea loanee's fierce half-volley forcing an acrobatic stop from the Gabon stopper.

The two Traore's and Pitroipa were causing havoc in the Gabonese defence, but a brave block from Ecuele Manga halted the Burkinese attack.

Despite the dominance of Burkina Faso, it was Gabon who would take the lead through star man Aubameyang. The Dortmund man saw his initial effort saved, before steadying himself and showing great composure to work the ball onto his right foot and rifle it into the roof of the net.

Further chances followed, in what was turning out to be a pulsating game; Didier Ibrahim Ndong went close for Gabon, while Ovono grabbed Pitroipa's effort at the second time of asking.

The Gabon shot-stopper the produced a fantastic reaction save to deny the former-Rennes man once more, as his defence scrambled the ball away on the rebound.

Burkina Faso's domination continued after the break, with Kabore's audacious chip almost catching out Ovono. Full-backs Lloyd Palun and Johann Obiang were constantly worked from the first whistle, though they continued to hassle and harry as much as they could.

Yet again, for the umpteenth time, Ovono saved Gabon by pushing Bertrand Traore's cross out of harm's way. His name sake, Alain, went close from two set-piece situations almost immediately after.

Chances came at both ends; Germain Sanou and Ovono both were forced into solid one-on-one stops.

Aubameyang was proving the best outlet for Gabon once more, as he cut inside and curled an effort toward the far post, but it drifted just wide of the upright.

The Dortmund forward was at the heart of their second goal, as he spread the ball wide to Frederic Bulot. The wide-man then drove to the by-line before hanging a delightful ball for Malick Evouna to attack and power home past the helpless Sanou.

Astride Bancé, Bertrand Traore and Pitroipa tried their best to get Burkina Faso back into the game, but neither could find the net as Gabon held on for a sensational win.

The three points means that the Gabonese will top Group A after the first round of games, with Burkina Faso bottom. Paul Put's men will look to bounce back against Equatorial Guinea and Gabon take on Congo.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]