AFCON: Aubameyang rescues Gabon

  

Gabon and Burkina Faso settled for a 1-1 draw in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations clash played at the Stade de I’Amitie in the Gabonese city of Libreville on Wednesday, AFP reports.

As a result tournament hosts Gabon and Burkina Faso remain second and third respectively in the Group A standings with two points each – having also recorded 1-1 draws in their opening games.

It took only 13 minutes for Turkey-based Nakoulma to make an impact as he beat two defenders before firing past Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono to make it 1-0 to Burkina Faso following a quick move.

The Panthers of Gabon were also forced into making a first-half change as Johann Obiang injured his knee. He was replaced by Benjamin Ze Ondo in the 34th minute.

Burkina Faso keeper Herve Koffi then came off his line to try and intercept a through ball, but he fouled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the box and the Panthers were awarded a penalty.

The Gabon captain dusted himself off and tucked the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1 in the 38th minute; beating Koffi, who was booked after conceding a penalty.