The second round of group stage games commenced with edgy Group A clashes that did little to separate the teams in the Group, with all four sides still in which a chance of making the next round.

The early game saw hosts Equatorial Guinea taking on 2013 finalists Burkina Faso, a game that ended in a sterile goalless draw. Gabon took on Congo in the second game, and Claude Le Roy’s side emerged victorious with a single goal from Prince Oniangue to put them on top of the group.

The hosts played out a 1-1 draw in their first game, and were thus hoping to take a commanding position with a win; but Burkina Faso themselves needed a positive result and impressively matched Equatorial Guinea throughout the 90 minutes.

On a better day, Ghana’s neighbours to the north might even have won the game, having struck the post twice amid sustained periods of pressure.

Pitroipa, Bance, and Alain Traore were the Black Stars’ tormentors in chief in South Africa two years ago, and all were in inspired form but failed to find a way past the hosts’ in-form goalkeeper.

The draw means either side would have to win during the final round of matches to have any chances of progression.

The second game saw Gabon, led by African Football Player of the year finalist Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, taking on Congo, led by the much travelled and former Ghana manager Claude Le Roy.

The Frenchman’s side took the spoils at the end of proceedings, placing themselves in pole position to qualify from the Group and leaving Gabon with the unenviable task of earning a positive result against the hosts if they are to make the second round.

The first half was a dour affair with little going on, but the second was lit up when Congo scored just three minutes after it started.

A free kick that was floated in was not properly cleared, and then the midfielder smashed in a rebound with no chance for Ovono to stop.

Gabon had several chances to equalise but failed to capitalise, the closest being Bulot’s shot which crashed against the post.

Congo held on tight to pick up the victory, sending them to the summit of Group A with four points, ahead of the Gabonese themselves on three, the hosts on two, and Burkina Faso propping up the group with their solitary point.