Libreville (Gabon), Jan 15 (IANS): The 2017 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) football tournament kicked off here with hosts Gabon held by debutants Guinea Bissau 1-1 at the Stade De l'amitie d'Angondje.

Borussia Dortmund star striker Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang gave Gabon the lead in the 52nd minute. Guinea Bissau equalised in the 89th minutes when Juary Marinho Soares headed home for a draw, reports Xinhua news agency.

It was a game in which Gabon expectedly dominated but the results were not there to show.

After the first half, the hosts piled pressure on the Guinea Bissau team that defended in numbers.

The 2015 African Player of the Year and Gabon captain Aubameyang netted the opening goal, capitalising on a well-taken Athanase Denis Bouanga low cross that he placed past the Guinea Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes.

Guinea Bissau defenders continued to keep the Gabon attack at bay and finally got their chance when Soares rose to finish with a headed goal.

After the final whistle, the home fans booed their team as they were not happy with the result drawing against a team that qualified for Afcon for the first time.

The two teams now lead Group A with a point each.

Gabonese President Ali Bongo officially opened the continent's biggest football showpiece.