LIBERIA beat Gabon 2-1 in Durban, yesterday, for their first ever victory in the African Nations Cup finals. Liberia took an early lead from a fourth minute penalty converted by Kelvin Sebwe in this opening Group C match. They went further ahead on 54 minutes when Massa Sarr sidefooted a through ball from Joe Nagbe past Gabon goalkeeper Germain Mendome.

Gabon threw everything into attack and pulled one back five minutes later when Guy Roger Nzeng slammed home a free-kick past goalkeeper Anthony Tokpah from 25 yards. But they had only themselves and the woodwork to blame for not at least getting a share of the points.