Vieljeux Prestige surged into the Cameroonian box and was brought down by goalkeeper Jean Oscar Gwot, gifting Congo the perfect chance to break the deadlock 17 minutes from time in the tense Group D contest.

It was one Makiesse took with aplomb as he duly converted from the spot to earn his side a vital victory at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.

The result saw Congo surged to the summit of the group after Angola, the 2011 runners-up, were held to a 0-0 draw by Burkina Faso in the day's early game, also in Agadir. 

The encounter also completed the first round of group matches.

Congo are now in a healthy position to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.

They exited the tournament at the group stage on their only other appearance at the 2014 edition of the event in South Africa.

The competition for home-based African players was initially due to be held in Kenya before the Confederation of African Football stripped the country of the event due to concerns over infrastructure.

Morocco will be hoping to use the tournament to showcase their hosting credentials as they are bidding for the 2026 World Cup against a joint effort from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The event is due to continue tomorrow as the host nation play Guinea and Sudan face Mauritania in Group A.