The 2017 AFCON tournament began with host nation Gabon getting us underway as they hosted Guinea Bissau on Saturday, who were making their maiden appearance at the soccer fiesta.
After a display of the colourful and a show of rich African culture in the opening ceremony, the ‘Panthers’ of Gabon were brimming with confidence and in high hopes but the ‘Djurtus’ had other ideas.
Gabon dominated the first half but failed to score despite creating the better the chances.
After the break, 2015 African Player of the Year and captain for the Gabonese side Pierre-Emerrick Aubayemang neatly converted a cross on the 52nd minute to give the host the lead.
However, 24-year-old Juary Soares shocked the home fans with a 91st minute equalizer to draw parity.
The group’s late kick off saw Burkina Faso and Cameroon lock horns with either side looked set to pick the first win of the tournament.
Cameroon’s impressive attacking prowess paid dividends after Lorient striker Benjamin Moukandjo beautifully curled in a free-kick on the 35th minute to give them the lead.
Back from recess, a change in tactics from head coach Paulo Duarte saw the ‘Stallions’ coming in strongly and saw their efforts crowned with a goal from Issoufou Dayo with 15 minutes to full time.
No goals were recorded afterwards as the game ended 1-1.
