Late equaliser denies Gabon after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores first goal of tournament

Juary Soares's late equaliser held hosts Gabon to a 1-1 draw by Guinea-Bissau in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked to have put Gabon on course for three points when he popped up at the back post early in the second half to help in Denis Bouanga's cross-shot.

But the host nation never found fluency, with rank outsiders Guinea-Bissau posing a particular threat from set pieces.

Gabon paid for their failure to finish the game off in the 90th minute when Soares sent a glancing header past Didier Ovono to secure a share of the spoils.

Boos rang out when the final whistle blew, and Gabon must up their game against Burkina Faso and Cameroon to avoid an early exit from their own tournament.

On paper, Gabon should easily beat the likes of Guinea-Bissau. As we all know, however, football is played on grass and the likes of Juventus’ Mario Lemina, Sunderland’s £13m Didier Ndong and Aubameyang, in particular, simply need to work harder if they’re to overcome such resilient opponents. Yes, Dortmund’s talisman scored but in truth he offered little else. This was a wake-up call for Jose Antonio Camacho whose side now face a mammoth task of progressing to the latter stages.

Juary Soares – The defender played a vital role at the back as Guinea-Bissau kept illustrious stars Aubameyang and Lemina quiet and then popped up with a dramatic late equaliser to earn his side their first ever point in an international tournament.

Gabon: Ovono 6, Appindangoye 6, Ecuele 6, Obiang 6, Palun 7, Tandjigora 6, Lemina 5, Ndong 6, Evouna 7, Aubameyang 6, Bouang 7 Subs: Kanga 6, Angoue N/A, Poko N/A.

Guinea–Bissau: Jonas 7, Dabo 7, Rudinilson 6, Juary 7, Soares 8, Zezinho 7, Santos 7, Nanissio 7, Brito 6, Camara 6, Mario 7. Subs: Mendy 6, Silva 7, Aldair 6.

19’ – MISS! Aubameyang drifts to the right channel where he finds space to deliver a cross towards Evouna inside the penalty area but he mis-times his jump and fails to connect.

39’ – CHANCE! Bouanga delivers a dangerous low cross into the area which Lemina just can't quite reach. All it needed was a touch!

48’ - GOOD SAVE! Bouanga cuts in and sends a powerful shot at goal from the edge of the area that Jonas does well to push over the crossbar. Greater urgency from the hosts already!

53’ - GOAL - GABON ARE AHEAD! Aubameyang is off and running in the African Cup of Nations as the Dortmund talisman puts Gabon in front! The striker is in the right place at the right time to tap in the back post from Bouanga's cross. He couldn't miss!

75’ - CLOSE! Gabon fail to clear the corner delivery, it falls to Rudinilson Silva who is allowed to turn inside the area but he screws his shot just wide of the goal. Another warning shot to the hosts who are looking increasingly vulnerable.

83’ - CHANCE! Mendy is left unmarked in the penalty area but the substitute can only head it straight at the goalkeeper. Either side and it was in. A wasted opportunity for Guinea-Bissau!

90’ - GOAL! Guinea-Bissau are level!!! Soares heads the minnows level. Gabon are left shell-shocked.