Co-hosts Gabon eased to a 2-0 victory over Niger in their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash in Libreville on Monday evening.
The Nigeriens were thoroughly outplayed and might have lost by a greater margin had the Gabonese been more ruthless in front of goal.
As it was, first-half strikes from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Stephane Nguema were enough for the three points that triggered a party atmosphere in the nation's capital upon the final whistle.
Niger look out of their depth at this level, underlining the surprise nature of their qualification at the expense of Egypt and South Africa.
Based on this display, their qualification could be described as more a shock than a surprise.
Stand-out player for the home side was undoubtedly Aubameyang; with his pace and direct running, he at times terrorised the Niger defence.
After missing a fairly simple chance, he got on the scoresheet on the half-hour mark a few minutes later, heading home at the back post from the excellent Stephane Nguema's cross.
The St. Etienne star celebrated his goal in wild fashion, along with a jubilant crowd that included the country's president, Ali Ben Bongo and his American-born wife Inge, who were constantly bouncing out of their chairs.
The Nigeriens were physical in the challenge all through the game and were arguably lucky to escape a red card, with Seychelles referee Eddy Maillet allowing the overly robust challenges.
The home side scored again just seconds before the half-time break.
Aubameyang's header from a left-wing cross was well saved by Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda, but Nguema was on hand to tap home the rebound.
It was the perfect time to score as well, taking the stuffing out of whatever fight Niger had left in them.
The second period was largely forgettable, bar a few half-chances for Aubameyang and Eric Mouloungui, though the home faithful will have been delighted to see the late introduction of local legend Daniel Cousin, back from a five-month injury lay-off.
Niger finished the game with 10 men when, after they had used all three of their substitutes, Moutari Amadou had to be stretchered off through injury.
They did have one final chance to get something from the game, but striker Moussa Maazou could not direct his header past Didier Ovono in the home goal.
So the perfect start for the Gabonese, who with home ground advantage could well upset the more established nations in this competition and make the latter stages of the tournament ... at the very least.
