AFCON: Early goal enough for Cameroon to see off determined Gabon

Cameroon were not at their fluent best but secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Gabon to open their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Wednesday.

The Indomitable Lions made the perfect start to the contest when striker Etta Eyong gave them lead inside six minutes.

The forward kept his nerve, guiding a low finish between goalkeeper Marius Mbamba's legs they could have been the tone for the game.

Gabon gave good account of themselves but as their held their b=nerve in defence and they showed enough attack to cause problems.

Danny Namaso almost doubled Cameroon's lead but the, getting on the end of a Junior Tchamadeu cross, but steered his effort wide.

Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma turned to his bench for some inspiration and introduced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina.

The Panthers' best opportunity for an equaliser came in with 20 minutes remaining but goalkeeper Devis Epassy denied Royce Openda.

Cameroon join Ivory Coast with opening victories in Group F. with the Elephants seeing off Mozambique earlier in the day.