Senegal, the current titleholder, commenced their campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Gambia, who ended the match with ten players. The result extended the Lions of Teranga’s unbeaten streak in the competition to eight games (6 wins and 2 losses).
In their quest to become the fourth country in history to successfully defend their title, Senegal had a dream start in Yamoussoukro, opening the scoring just four minutes into the game. The ball fell to Sadio Mané in the box, and the forward displayed excellent vision to find Pape Gueye, who finished first-time into the back of the net.
Gambia, whose tournament preparations were disrupted when their flight to Ivory Coast was forced to turn back, seemed determined to assert themselves during the first half. However, their best opportunity went astray just before the half-hour mark when Ali Sowe directed a close-range header wide of the target.
Having recovered well from conceding the opening goal, Gambia’s task became even more challenging when Ebou Adams was sent off in the 45+7th minute for a reckless challenge on Lamine Camara.
With the numerical advantage, Senegal returned for the second half eager to apply pressure, and at the seventh minute mark, Aliou Cissé extended the lead with Camara, who received a pass from Ismaïla Sarr and finished precisely into the corner (52′).
The goal sealed three points for the Lions of Teranga, who came close to adding a third, but Habib Diallo saw his close-range shot blocked by Baboucarr Gaye.
Four minutes from time, however, the influential Lamine Camara unleashed a spectacular shot into the top corner after an excellent effort from Iliman Ndiaye, securing a comfortable victory for the reigning champions.
