Co hosts Gabon started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Niger. Abuameyang got on the end of a high cross on the half-hour mark to squeeze the ball in with a header at the far post, and on the stroke of halftime had his powerful header parried by Douada into the path of Nguema who knocked in the second. Ovono made a good save from a Maazou header in the 79th minute but it was Gabon who created more chances and deserved their win. (Gabon 2 Niger 0)

Despite Morocco creating many chances, the North African derby ended in a 2-1 victory for Tunisia. Mathlouthi had made several saves to keep Morocco at bay when Khaled Korbi floated in a free-kick that found the net and gave Tunisia a 34th minute lead against the run of play. Hadji had a clear chance for Morocco in the 66th minute when he skilfully controlled a high ball to get behind a defender but fluffed his final shot and with 15 minutes remaining a solo run from Msakni resulted in his shot taking a slight deflection into the corner of the net and doubling Tunisia's lead. Morocco pulled a goal back in the 85th minute when El Kauotari headed the ball back across the face of goal for Kharja to score with a low volley but Tunisia held on to claim all 3 points. (Tunisia 2 Morocco 1)