Lamine Camara scored two goals as Senegal began their title defence in the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over Gambia in Yamoussoukro on Monday.
Senegal now sits at the top of Group C, with Cameroon set to play against Guinea later in the day.
Despite the hot weather in Ivory Coast, Aliou Cisse‘s team displayed enough skill to indicate that they have the potential to become the first team since Egypt in 2006, 2008, and 2010 to win consecutive AFCON titles.
Senegal’s starting lineup for the match against Gambia was significantly different from the team that won the final two years ago against Egypt. However, it was the young player, Camara, who stood out and performed exceptionally well.
Gambia is facing a difficult challenge to advance to the knockout stage, especially after their surprising run to the quarterfinals in their debut appearance two years ago.
Right from the start, Senegal put pressure on their West African neighbours and took the lead in the fourth minute. Sadio Mane had plenty of space at the back post and passed the ball to the unmarked Pape Gueye, who confidently scored with his left foot from inside the area.
Gambia had a troubled preparation for the tournament as they boycotted a training session due to unpaid qualification bonuses. Additionally, their flight to the Ivory Coast had to turn back after just nine minutes due to technical issues.
The defending champions wasted no time in putting pressure on their West African neighbours and took the lead in the fourth minute. Sadio Mane had plenty of space at the back post and passed the ball to the unmarked Pape Gueye, who scored with his left foot from inside the area.
Gambia had a difficult preparation for the tournament. They boycotted a training session due to unpaid qualification bonuses, and their flight to the Ivory Coast had to turn back after just nine minutes due to technical issues. However, they started to improve as the game went on and came close to scoring an equaliser when Musa Barrow’s free-kick hit the side-netting.
Unfortunately for Gambia, their situation worsened just before halftime when Ebou Adams, a midfielder from Cardiff City, was sent off for a dangerous challenge with his studs up.
The underdogs continued to pose a threat after the restart. Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, had to make a diving save to his right to push away Barrow’s long-range shot. However, Ali Sowe missed the rebound.
Shortly after, Senegal effectively ended the game with a smooth passing play. Camara, a 20-year-old player, received a pass from Ismailia Sarr and scored a low shot into the far corner.
In the 86th minute, the Lions of Teranga scored a remarkable goal. Iliman Ndiaye showed impressive skill to evade two defenders and pass the ball to Camara. Camara then expertly curved the ball into the top corner from the edge of the ‘D’. He plays for Metz.
In injury time, Mohamed Badamosi came close to scoring a consolation goal for Gambia, but he missed with a header. Ultimately, Gambia was outplayed, and their focus now shifts to their second game against Guinea on Friday.
Senegal will face a tougher challenge in their next match against Cameroon, who have won the tournament five times.
