Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal began their title defence with a 3-0 win over neighbours the Gambia who finished with 10 men in Monday afternoon’s Group C encounter at Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
The Teranga Lions began the game brilliantly with star player Sadio Mane teeing up Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye nicely to slot in a lot shot in the bottom right corner of the net in the fourth minute.
Things turned sour for the Gambians in the eighth minute of added time in the first half when Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams was given a straight red card for violent conduct.
Senegal extended their lead after the break thanks to Lamine Camara’s well-struck low effort off an assist from Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ismaila Sarr in the 52nd minute.
Camara, who is the reigning Young African Player of the Year, completed his brace with four minutes left on the clock with a ferocious shot from out of the penalty area, leaving Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye no chance of stopping.
⌚️ FULL-TIME!
Senegal secure the full points with a convincing victory against The Gambia. ????#SENGMB | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/3inC5wIC2p
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 15, 2024
Senegal became the first team to score three goals at the ongoing AFCON while it is the heaviest defeat for the Gambians in what is just their second outing in the competition.
