Africa Cup of Nations co-hosts Gabon finished the group stages with a perfect record after a 1-0 victory over Tunisia in Franceville on Tuesday night.

From our top partner allAfrica.com

Both sides, Gabon and Tunisia, had already booked their place in the quarter-finals before this encounter. For Gabon it is only the second time they have managed this feat, having previously reached the Last 8 stage in the 1996 finals in South Africa.

Talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got the only goal of the game for the home side in the second half, his third in three matches at this year's tournament.

Gabon starts slow until...
Tunisia dominated the early stages with Issam Jemaa and Youssef Msakni going close, before Wissem Ben Yahia fired in a stunning drive that went just over the angle of crossbar and post.

Saber Khelifa found the side-netting for the North Africans, while Gabon's first real chance came after the half-hour mark as Andre Poko headed wide of the target from Roguy Meye's cross.

The opening goal arrived on 62 minutes when Aubameyang beat Rami Jridi, though the Tunisian goalkeeper will believe he should have stopped the shot.

Missed opportunities
Gabon should have been 2-0 up six minutes later when Daniel Cousin had an excellent chance to turn home the loose ball after Jridi fumbled, but Khalil Chemmam got in a block just as the veteran forward was about to pull the trigger.

There was frustration for Saber Khelif as his square pass was just too strong for Sami Allagui, who would have been through on goal. Bilel Ifa then saw his deflection saved by Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono, who did well to react to a change in direction of the ball.

Emotions run high
Aymen Abdennour had an excellent chance to equalise late on for Tunisia, but his effort from eight yards was tame and Ovono was able easily to save.

Tempers threatened to spill over, with some pushing and shoving, but Gabon were able to hold on comfortably and make history – it is the first time they have won all of their group games in Nations Cup finals.