Bruno Ecuele needed 11 minutes to put the hosts, who sprang a huge surprise by beating Morocco 2-1 in their previous game, in front.

Matters went from bad to worse for Togo when Thomas Dossevi received his marching orders five minutes before the break.

Gabon capitalized on their numerical advantage to score two more goals in the second half.

Strikes from Roguy Meye and Moise Brou gave Gabon all three points.

The result put them on top of Group A with six points, three ahead of second-placed Togo, who defeated heavyweights Cameroon 1-0 in the last round.

Pointless duo Morocco and Cameroon will meet in the other group game on Sunday.