ABIDJAN: Senegal defeated Gambia 3-0 on Monday to start their Africa Cup of Nations championship defence, led by an incredible brace from Lamine Camara. However, Cameroon and Algeria, two other heavyweights, were both defeated in their opening games.
Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, is striving to keep the trophy they won in Cameroon two years ago. Despite playing with ten men for the entirety of the second half, Senegal proved too formidable for their neighbors from Gambia.
Within four minutes in the Ivorian city of Yamoussoukro, the Lions of Teranga took the lead thanks to a goal from Mane and a cross from Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye.
Gambia had a difficult pre-tournament period, having to cancel a training session due to an unpaid qualification incentive before having to change their travel to Ivory Coast.
When Camara, the 20-year-old African young player of the year, sent a low shot into the far corner early in the second half, Senegal virtually ended the match.
In the 86th minute, he sealed the win with a superb strike that he bowed into the top corner from just outside the box. It was an early contender for goal of the tournament.
Senegal, led by Aliou Cisse, will probably have a more difficult task when they play five-time champion Cameroon in their next Group C encounter.
