African Cup of Nations: Gabon get off to a winning start

Gabon celebrate their 2-0 win over Niger (GETTY IMAGES)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inspired the co-hosts, Gabon, to a 2-0 win over Niger in the African Cup of Nations yesterday. The 22-year-old ghosted in at the back post to squeeze home a header after half an hour.

A diving header from the St Etienne striker on the stroke of half-time set up the second goal. The Niger goalkeeper, Daouda Kassaly, made a brilliant save to stop Aubameyang's effort but the rebound fell for Stephane N'Guema to score.

Niger played the last 15 minutes with 10 men, after Moutari Amadou was carried off. Niger had already made their three substitutions.