Lamine Camara bagged a brace as Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a comfortable 3-0 victory over 10-man Gambia in Yamoussoukro.
In anticipation of Cameroon’s match against Guinea later on Monday, Senegal took the lead in the early Group C standings.
In the Ivorian heat, Aliou Cisse’s displayed enough skill to raise hopes that they could become the first team to win three consecutive AFCON titles since Egypt did so in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Only five players from the starting lineup that defeated Egypt on penalties in the championship game two years prior were present in Senegal’s starting lineup, but rookie Camara stood out.
A two-year wait for the knockout stage awaits the Gambia, who shocked everyone by making it to the quarterfinals during their debut.
In the fourth minute, the holders took the lead and wasted little time in applying pressure to their neighbours in West Africa.
There was plenty of room for Sadio Mane at the back post, and the unmarked Pape Gueye swept his lay-off home with ease from inside the area.
The Gambia had a difficult run-up to the competition, having to cancel a training session over an unpaid qualification bonus and having to turn around their flight to the Ivory Coast nine minutes after takeoff because of technical issues.
After the early setback, though, they settled into the game and came dangerously close to drawing level when Musa Barrow curled a free kick into the side net.
However, just before the half, Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams was sent off for a studs-up challenge, dealing a blow to the Gambia.
But after the break, the underdogs kept up the pressure, forcing Senegal custodian Edouard Mendy to dive to his right and block a long-range effort from Barrow. Ali Sowe then sliced the rebound wide.
But moments later, Senegal effectively put an end to the match when 20-year-old Camara collected a neat pass from Ismailia Sarr and fired a low shot into the far corner.
The Lions of Teranga rounded off the scoring with an early contender for goal of the tournament in the 86th minute.
Metz midfielder Camara expertly bent Iliman Ndiaye’s pass into the top corner from the edge of the ‘D’ after Ndiaye used cunning to get past two defenders.
The Gambians were ultimately outclassed and will now focus on their second game against Guinea on Friday. Mohamed Badamosi came close to grabbing a late consolation goal for the team when he headed wide.
When Senegal plays five-time champion Cameroon, they’ll probably have a more difficult task ahead of them.
Photo by Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
