Africa Cup of Nations hosts Equatorial Guinea have beaten Gabon 2-0 in front of a jubilant Bata crowd to reach the last eight of the tournament.

Chances were few and far between in the early stages, but Gabon went close to the opening goal in the 20th minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was denied by Felipe Ovono.

Malick Evouna was the next to spurn a chance for Gabon, who started the round of Group A fixtures in second place.

Equatorial Guinea created very little before the break but they were gifted the chance to go in front 10 minutes after the interval when Lloyd Palun fouled Javier Balboa in the box.

Balboa took the penalty himself and made no mistake from 12 yards to send the crowd into raptures.

Balboa had the chance to make it two with time winding down, but he missed the opportunity, giving Gabon, who only needed a draw, hope of progressing.

However, it would be the hosts who scored the second goal late on when Salvador Edu scrambled home from close range, sparking a pitch invasion from the delirious supporters.

Equatorial Guinea, who finish second in Group A behind Congo, remain unbeaten in the tournament after drawing their opening two games.