Senegal secured a resounding 3-0 victory over 10-man Gambia in Yamoussoukro, with Lamine Camara scoring twice in their Africa Cup of Nations title defense opener on Monday.
Senegal now tops the early Group C table, leading up to Cameroon’s match against Guinea later in the day.
Despite featuring only five players from the starting lineup that clinched victory against Egypt two years ago, Senegal showcased enough prowess in the Ivorian heat to raise expectations of becoming the first team to achieve consecutive AFCON titles since Egypt’s three-peat in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
The scoring spectacle began early in the fourth minute when Sadio Mane’s well-placed lay-off found Pape Gueye, who clinically slotted the ball into the net with his left foot.
Gambia, facing challenges in their tournament build-up, demonstrated resilience after an initial setback, with Musa Barrow narrowly missing an equalizer from a free-kick.
Gambia’s hopes suffered a blow just before halftime when Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams received a red card for a studs-up challenge. Gambia continued to pose threats, testing Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy even being a man down. However, Senegal effectively sealed the match with a well-executed play, culminating in 20-year-old Lamine Camara’s precise finish.
The Lions of Teranga added a spectacular goal to their tally in the 86th minute, as Metz midfielder Camara expertly bent a pass from Iliman Ndiaye into the top corner, possibly an early contender for the tournament’s best goal.
Gambia, struggling to match Senegal’s performance, now focuses on their upcoming game against Guinea on Friday. Senegal anticipates a more challenging encounter against five-time winners Cameroon in their next fixture. The holders, with their convincing start, aim to maintain momentum and solidify their quest for back-to-back AFCON triumphs.
Source: AFP
