Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the first half as Gabon lead Burkina Faso against the run of play in the second match of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Burkina Faso staged the first attack of any note as Bertrand Traore hit a deft volley towards goal in the 13th minute, forcing opposing goalkeeper Didier Ovono into a comfortable save.
Gabon took an undeserved lead in the 19th minute when Borussia Dortmund man Aubameyang carved out an opening for himself and curled the ball into the top corner after shrugging off a challenge from Wilfried Sanou.
Burkina Faso continued to dominate the possession but Gabo came close to doubling their lead just after the half-hour mark as Didier Ndong fired wide from Aubameyang's cutback.
The trailing side were wrongly denied a penalty kick minutes later as Norbert Zongo raced clear of his marker and was pushed to the ground by Ecuele Manga, only for the referee to turn away.
Mark Langshaw
