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2017 African Cup of Nations tourney kicks off in Gabon

Xinhua, January 15, 2017 Adjust font size:

The 2017 African Cup of Nations tournament on Saturday kicked off in Gabon with hosts Gabon drawing with Guinea Bissau 1-1 in the opening match.

Gabonese President Ali Bongo officially opened the continent's biggest football showpiece at the Stade De l'amitie d'Angondje in Libreville.

After the first half, the hosts piled pressure on the Guinea Bissau team that defended in numbers.

The 2015 African Player of the Year and Gabon captain Pierre Emrick Emilano Aubameyang netted the opening goal after 52 minutes.

He capitalized on a well-taken Athanase Denis Bouanga's low cross that he placed past the Guinea Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes.

Guinea Bissau defenders continued to keep the Gabon attack at bay and finally got their chance in the 89th minute when Juary Marinho Soares rose to finish with a headed goal.

After the final whistle, the home fans booed their team as they were not happy with the result drawing against a team that qualified for Afcon for the first time.

The two teams now lead Group A with a point each before the second game of the day pitting former African champions Cameroon against Burkina Faso. Endit