Defending champions Senegal initiated their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a win against 10-man underdogs, The Gambia.
Pape Gueye provided the Teranga Lions with an excellent start, receiving a pass from Sadio Mane to score a fourth-minute opener from within the penalty area.
Just before half-time, Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams was sent off for The Gambia due to an off-the-ball challenge.
After the break, Lamine Camara extended Senegal’s lead with a low finish and added a stylish third goal from a distance.
With Cameroon and Guinea facing off in the other Group C match on Monday (17:00 GMT), Senegal’s fourth victory in a five-match unbeaten streak has positioned Aliou Cisse’s team in early control of the group, maintaining a fifth successive clean sheet.
Despite The Gambia threatening first with Edouard Mendy deflecting Alasana Manneh’s powerful left-footed attempt from a distance, Senegal asserted dominance
After Gueye’s early goal, Senegal’s Habib Diallo had a close opportunity, while Musa Barrow and Ali Sowe for The Gambia sent their first-half attempts wide.
Despite Adams’ dismissal, confirmed via the video assistant referee, just before half-time, the underdogs nearly equalized early in the second half, but a diving save from Mendy denied Barrow.
Following Camara’s second goal that doubled Senegal’s lead, Gambia’s goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye made an impressive save to thwart Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who came off the bench. Ismail Jakobs also missed a chance, firing wide from a tight angle.
Camara’s second goal was a result of Iliman Ndiaye’s skillful play on the right, showcasing remarkable control to outmaneuver defenders and deliver a low pass back to the Metz midfielder. Camara’s right-footed strike from outside the box curved over Gaye and found the far corner of the net.
Senegal will face Cameroon in their next group-stage match on Friday (17:00 GMT) at Yamoussoukro’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
Gambia, led by Tom Saintfiet, will aim to break a streak of three successive defeats against Guinea, the team they surprisingly defeated to reach the quarter-finals in Afcon 2021. The match will take place at the same venue in the subsequent game (20:00 GMT).