)
Senegal announced early intentions to defend their Africa Cup of Nations crown with a thumping 3-0 victory over The Gambia 3-0 in their opening match
Reigning champions Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a routine 3-0 victory over the 10 men of The Gambia.
The result extends the Lions of Teranga’s unbeaten streak in the competition to eight matches, having won six and drawn two.
Looking to become just the fourth nation in AFCON history to successfully defend their title, 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 the talismanic forward 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.
Having gathered themselves well after conceding the early opener, the Scorpions’ task was made all the more difficult on the stroke of halftime, when Ebou Adams was dismissed for a reckless tackle on Lamine Camara.
Armed with the numerical advantage, Senegal emerged after the restart keen to press home their advantage, and Aliou Cissé’s men duly doubled their lead within seven minutes, as Camara raced onto Ismaïla Sarr’s through-ball and slotted a neat finish into the far corner.
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.
As for The Gambia, they’ll be desperate for a positive response in their second group-stage match against Guinea on Friday.
Match report courtesy of Flashscore.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)