The 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament started with two draws at the Stade de L’Amitie Stadium in Libreville on Saturday.

Gabon President President, Ali Bongo who was sworn in for a second seven-year term in September last year officially opened Africa’s biggest football showpiece.

The hosts settled for a 1-1 draw with Guinea Bissau with 2015 African Player of the Year and Gabon captain, Pierre Emrick Emilano Aubameyang scoring the first goal of the tournament after 52 minutes.

The hosts scored the tournament’s first goal

He captalised on a well taken Athanase Denis Bouanga’s low cross that he placed past the Guinea Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes. Despite continuous prodding, Guinea Bissau defenders continued to keep the Gabon attack at bay and finally got their chance on 89 minutes when Juary Marinho Soares rose to finish with a headed goal.

The second game saw Burkina Faso come from behind to draw 1-1 against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Benjamin Moukandjo gave the Cameroonian team the lead with a well curved free kick into the top corner just after 32 minutes. But with both teams missing several scoring opportunities the first half ended 1-0.

Cameroon captain Benjamin Moukandjo scored a beautiful freekick

But after several attempts Burkina Faso’s Issoufou Dayo equalized for late in the second half. “I am happy that my players did not give up and continued to attack. We shall now prepare for the second game,” said Burkina Faso’s coach Paulo Jorge Duarte.

Action returns on Sunday with two Group B games on card at the Stade de Franceville. The Desert Fenncs of Algeria will battle Zimbabwe in the first game at 7pm (EAT) before Tunisia take on Senegal in game two at 10pm (EAT).

Meanwhile, several Africans on social media expressed disappointment at the opening ceremony claiming it fell short of expectations. Below we captured some of the reactions.Â