15th January, 2024
Defending champions Senegal thrashed 10-man Gambia 3-0 to begin the defence of their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on a promising note.
Senegal made a dream start in Yamoussoukro with a breakthrough inside four minutes. A loose ball found its way to Sadio Mané in the box, and he showed impressive vision to lay it off to Pape Gueye, who swept a clinical first-time finish into the bottom corner.
The Gambia, whose preparations for the tournament were disrupted after their flight to Ivory Coast was forced to turn around mid-flight, looked determined to gain a foothold in the contest as the first half progressed.
However, their best opportunity was spurned shortly before the half-hour mark when Ali Sowe directed a close-range header wastefully wide of the target.
The Scorpions’ task was made all the more difficult on the stroke of half time, when Ebou Adams was dismissed for a reckless tackle on Lamine Camara.
Senegal emerged after the restart keen to press home their advantage, and they doubled their lead within seven minutes, as Camara raced onto Ismaïla Sarr’s through-ball and slotted a neat finish into the far corner.
According to Flashscores, that goal all but sealed the three points for the Lions of Teranga, who came close to adding a quickfire third, only for Habib Diallo to see an effort from point-blank range thwarted by Baboucarr Gaye.
There was to be no denying Senegal with four minutes remaining though, as the influential Camara curled a spectacular strike into the top corner after excellent work from Iliman Ndiaye, wrapping up a comfortable opening victory for the defending champions.