Big chance for Congo as they get a three-on-three situation on the break, but they work it poorly and Gabon survive. Claude Le Roy goes postal on the touchline.

Gabon manager Jorge Costa has a look of consternation on his face as Madinda goes clean through but is called back by the linesman's flag. Replays suggest that decision was marginal at best.

Gabon should be level. Aubameyang plays a lovely reverse pass to slip in Evouna, keeper Mafoumbi comes out to deny him but the ball rebounds to Bulot, who has the goal at this mercy but somehow steers his finish wide. A massive let-off for Congo.

Finally, we see some inspiration from Gabon talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He scampers onto an excellent ball over the top by Madinda and digs out a lovely cross that just eludes the head of Appindangoye. Better from Gabon.

Congo look a different side - they are by no means sitting back on their lead here. They are playing the ball about nicely in the Gabon half with renewed confidence. Remember, the Red Devils are looking for their first Afcon victory since 1974. If you need any reminding how long ago that was, that was the year that Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest.

Image source, AFP

Teddy Fleuridon:, external Well done Congo, we are behind you all the way. Proud to be Congolese.

Gabon are just forcing the issue a little here. Madinda tracks in from the right but he can't pick a pass and ends up sending a tame shot wide of the post. It's deflected, the referee says, and from the corner, Madinda stays deep and again gets a shot away, this time rising over the top.

Gabon coach Jorge Costa has seen enough. He plays his first card, removing N'Dong and throwing on Guelor Kanga.

Meanwhile, an extraordinary sartorial emergency as Congo's Thievy Bifouma is ordered off the pitch by the referee to change his socks. You don't see that every day. White undersocks are the culprit, apparently.

It could have been 2-0 to Congo - the ball is crossed to the edge of the box, where Oniangue larrups it goalwards. It was straight at the keeper - either side and the net would have bulged.

Image source, AP

Now, how can Gabon respond? They were the better side in the first half, but couldn't find that cutting edge - they will need to find it now if they are to avoid an upset.

BBC Sport's Steve Crossman in Bata: Classic Claude Le Roy! Only had his hands in the air in celebration for about ten seconds before he was switched on again and gesticulating for his players to stay calm. It was a bit like the David Beckham reaction when England took the lead at Euro 2004 against France...that worked out well.

That's the first goal that Gabon keeper Didier Ovono has conceded in this tournament, and he's less than delighted. He picks the ball out of the net and throws it at his defenders.

Image source, AP

Congo strike with their first attack of the second half. Cardiff's Bruno Manga comes across to concede a corner. The ball is whipped into the area, Manga and Appindangoye get in each other's way as they try to clear, and the ball drops for Congo captain Prince Oniangue to fire into the bottom corner. Now we have a game on!

Thievy Bifouma, who was injured towards the end of that first half, has reappeared for Congo. The physios have clearly been hard at work with the magic spray.

The referee blows his whistle to commence our final half of Afcon football for today. Any chance of a goal in this one?

Ejikeme Ike IkeChi:, external I really want Gabon to win this, sincerely i love the way they play and that guy called Aubameyang. Perfect African football.

Gabon having plenty of possession but only three shots on target from them in that first half. Congo failed to find their radar once.

Michael Blighe:, external Re: Kwesi. San Marino instantly spring to mind

Kwesi Banson Jnr:, external Is there a worse record than that of #Congo in any Tournament ??

Good question Kwesi. Anyone?