Reigning champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal opened their title defense campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over The Gambia at Yamoussoukro’s Stade Charles Konan Banny, thanks to a Pape Gueye early strike that was accompanied by a Lamine Camara second half brace.

The Scorpions, who were quarter-finalists in the last edition were outclassed by the reigning champions who dismantled them with the early goal by Gueye following a Sadio Mane assist. 

The Gambia tried re-grouping and fighting their way back into the match but were met by a resolute and disciplined Senegalese defense. 

Things got worse for the scorpions when Ebrima Adams was sent off for an early shower after a vicious tackle on the young Lamine Camara just before the break. 

Returning from recess, the reigning champions continued their dominance, giving the Scorpions zero chances of a comeback, who were a man down. 

A brace by the young sensation, Camara which included a peach of a strike from the edge of the box that found its way into the top corner saw the Lions of Teranga roar into a 3-0 victory to go top of Group C and send a clear message of intent to their opponents. 

Up next for the defending champions is a mouth-watering tie against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Friday, 19 January.