LIBREVILLE, Gabon (AP) ― Gabon matched Equatorial Guinea’s spirited start at the African Cup of Nations on Monday after a pulsating atmosphere at Stade de l’Amitie carried the co-host to a 2-0 win over Niger in front of its football-mad president.
Ali Bongo and his first lady Sylvia ― wearing a team shirt ― celebrated like fans in the stadium’s VIP section as the “Panthers” outclassed tournament debutant Niger 2-0 in the first match in Gabon.
Gabon controlled its match from start to finish, with first-half goals from Aubameyang and Stephane Nguema capping its dominance as it was roared on by rowdy supporters.
Morocco then fell to a surprise defeat ― as Senegal did on the opening day ― after missing a bunch of chances to go down 2-1 to North African rival Tunisia, which held on under late pressure after conceding an 86th-minute goal.
Every top team is now aware of the danger of the underdogs at Africa’s showpiece. Not least highly rated Ghana, which takes on another first-timer in Botswana when Group D kicks off on Tuesday in Franceville.
At Libreville, President Bongo jumped out of his seat to celebrate and hug his smiling wife when Nguema scored to seal the victory that put Gabon top of Group C.
Gabon had opened its biggest sporting moment with a brief opening ceremony at the new stadium, but the atmosphere fizzled when the home team appeared on the pitch at the packed 40,000-seat venue.
Sylvia Bongo had replaced her chic suit for the ceremony with a shirt bearing the No. 9 of star striker Aubameyang, and the Saint-Etienne forward repaid the first lady’s faith with Gabon’s opener. Roared on by the yellow, green and blue crowd, Nguema swept in a second goal with Niger failing to match the intensity of the home team.
Villarreal beats Sporting 3-0
VILLARREAL, Spain (AP) ― Villarreal ended a 10-game winless run on Monday by scoring three second-half goals to beat Sporting Gijon 3-0 in the Spanish league.
Striker Marco Ruben marked his return from injury with a 57th-minute opening goal, before midfielder Borja Valero’s powerful shot beat goalkeeper Juan Pablo moments later. Bruno Soriano added the last in stoppage time.
Villarreal hasn’t won since beating Real Betis on Nov. 19, exiting the Champions League and Copa del Rey and in the middle of a relegation fight going into the second half of the season. Villarreal and Granada have one point more than 19th-place Sporting.
Villarreal was without Brazil striker Nilmar, who is reportedly finalizing a move to join Sao Paulo.
