AFCON pair make winning starts

Andre Ayew

 

  • West Ham United pair make winning start at 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations
  • Cheikhou Kouyate captains Senegal to 2-0 win over Algeria
  • Andre Ayew scores the only goal as Ghana overcome Uganda

West Ham United duo Cheikhou Kouyate and Andre Ayew both got off to a winning start at the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

Kouyate captained Senegal to a 2-0 Group B victory over Tunisia in Franceville, where Algeria’s 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe means the Lions of Teranga top the group after the first round of fixtures.

Next up for the midfielder is a meeting with Zimbabwe at the same venue on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Ayew was the match-winner as Avram Grant’s Ghana got off to a winning start by beating Uganda 1-0 in Port-Gentil.

The forward confidently stroked home from the penalty spot after Asamoah Gyan had been fouled inside the box, setting the Black Stars on course for three points with his 13th international goal.

Ghana will contest their second Group D fixture against Mali on Saturday.

Both matches will be broadcast live in the UK by Eurosport.