A Man of the Match performance by Pierre Aubameyang inspired the co-hosts to a convincing win over surprise qualifiers Niger. The North Africans accounted for more fancied triple champions Egypt and next hosts South Africa. Exploiting Niger's goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda's tendency to flap at crosses and even shots - a bane of African goal-keepers - the impressive Ondo N'Guema cross from the right wing eluded Daouda after half an hour.

Aubameyang stole in at the back post as Daouda scrambled across his goal-line. Aubameyang headed across the keeper to give the hosts a deserved lead. about ten minutes earlier Daouda showed the  better side of his game, thwarting the same player after a loose attempted clearance flicked off Mohamed Chicoto's head into Aubameyang's path. From 8 yards out he looked certain to score, but Daouda saved with his midriff.

Just before Aubameyang gave Gabon the lead and celebrated with a quarter lap of honour, Issoufou al Hassane was fortunate to be on the pitch to be substituted in the second half. A studs showing with a foot off the ground lunge connected with Moussono Moussono. Gabon's players were perplexed that Eddie Maillet only showed a yellow card.

"The most difficult is yet to come," said new Gabon coach Gernot Rohr who replaced Alain Giresse when Michel Platini's former team-mate in the 1984 European Championship winning side left to coacvh Mali. "Little satisfaction, but it is a short satisfaction. We will have a preparation  again tomorrow for Morocco who for me is one of the best teams."

Rohr saw his side double their lead just before half time. Just before half time, Moussono crossed from left flank; Aubameyang dives slightly backwards but heads goalwards. Daouda saved well, but the rebound fell to N'Guema who made no mistake. Gabon deserved their 2-0 lead. The second half was flat in comparison, but Rohr will want  N'Guemato cut out the needless challanges that saw him pick up a needless booking for tripping  substitute Moutari Amadou near the half way line.

Gabon failed to add to their lead, but Aubameyang went very close after a long and patient build up resulted in a long ball that Kader Amadou made a complete hash of by sliding in and going over the ball. It was Aubameyang's last contribution of the match. He left to a rapturous reception, replaced by former Hull City forward Daniel Cousin.