Jairzinho's first competitive game in charge of Gabon ended in a draw

Gabon have held Cup of Nations debutants Zimbabwe to a draw in their opening 2006 World Cup Group Four qualifier.

The Azingo Nationale took the lead eight minutes into the second half, when Thierry Issiemou fired home.

The home side, who are coached by Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning striker Jairzinho, were then content to protect their slender advantage.

However, Zimbabwe, coached by Rahman Gumbo following last week's resignation of Sunday Marimo, struck an important equaliser late on through Shingayi Kaondera.

The Cyprus-based forward punished Gabon's negative tactics with just five minutes to go when he beat the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home from a tight angle.

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Meanwhile, Nigeria's Super Eagles opened their Group Three campaign with a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Abuja.

Before a crowd of 45,000, Obafemi Martins had a dream start to his first home game in Nigeria as he scored both goals in the 56th and 88th minutes.

The 19-year-old scored his first when he outpaced the Rwanda defence before slotting past visiting keeper Ramazan Nkunzingoma, and he then wrapped up a fantastic home debut with a powerful shot from 18 yards after a through ball from John Utaka.

Martins scored twice on his home debut

Having finally made long-awaited performances for Nigeria, the Inter Milan striker has now scored three goals in two games for the Super Eagles.

Rwanda, whose defence was ably marshalled by Belgium-based Hamad Ndikumana, held their ground for most of the game and fought hard for an equaliser.

The Wasps forced some desperate defending from their hosts and tested Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama on more than one occasion.

In Annaba, Algeria's first competitive match under new Belgian manager Robert Wasiege ended goalless as the Desert Foxes drew with Angola.

60,000 watched a game that was evenly poised between the two sides.

The 2006 World Cup qualifiers double as qualifying matches for that year's Cup of Nations in Egypt.