BATA, Equatorial Guinea - Gabon beat Burkina Faso 2-0 at the African Cup of Nations on Saturday, with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring one and setting up the second to send the 2013 finalist to defeat in its tournament opener.

Gabon's rapid start saw it go top of Group A after the first day of matches, and sent Burkina Faso to the bottom.

Host Equatorial Guinea earlier drew 1-1 with Republic of Congo, also at Bata Stadium, to open the group and the tournament.

Aubameyang kept his composure to sweep a shot into the roof of the net in the 19th minute after his initial effort was blocked. He was mobbed by his teammates, with only goalkeeper Didier Ovono not part of the celebrations.

Aubameyang crossed for Malick Evouna to head in the second in the 72nd, sealing victory and delighting the drum-banging fans who made the trip across the border from neighbouring Gabon.

Burkina Faso, which lost to Nigeria in the final two years ago, wasted a bunch of chances as Alain Traore and Bertrand Traore couldn't get past Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono.

"We played a very good game but, unfortunately, if you cannot score, you cannot win," Burkina Faso coach Paul Put said.

Burkina Faso started stronger, but Ovono denied forwards Jonathan Pitroipa and Alain Traore early on.

In a flurry of chances in the second half, Alain Traore sent a fizzing free kick inches over in the 62nd and grabbed his head in frustration. Two minutes later, Aubameyang hit a shot straight at Burkina Faso goalkeeper Germain Sanou. And straight after that, Bertrand Traore was denied when one-on-one with Ovono.

Gabon sealed victory when Aubameyang broke free on the right wing and sent a high cross for Evouna to power his header in.