Senegal edge 10-man Gambia to kick off AFCON title defense
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Jan 15, 2024
Defending champions Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title defense with a commanding 3-0 triumph over a 10-man Gambia, extending their unbeaten streak in the competition to eight matches.
Senegal, eyeing a place in history as the fourth nation to successfully defend their AFCON title, started the tournament in Yamoussoukro with a dream opening.
Sadio Mane orchestrated the breakthrough within four minutes, deftly setting up Pape Gueye, who clinically slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Despite The Gambia's determination to make an impact, disrupted preparations - including a forced mid-flight turnaround to Ivory Coast - hindered their progress.
Their best chance came just before the half-hour mark when Ali Sowe squandered a close-range header.
READ MORE
Doctors set 90-day ultimatum for pay talks, warn of strike
Kenya, Italy adopt four-year cooperation plan after Ruto-Meloni talks
The Scorpions faced an uphill battle after halftime when Ebou Adams received a red card for a reckless tackle on Lamine Camara.
Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Senegal, under Aliou Cisse's guidance, swiftly doubled their lead. Camara capitalized on Ismaila Sarr's through-ball, neatly finishing into the far corner.
The Lions of Teranga missed a quickfire third as Habib Diallo's close-range effort was thwarted by Baboucarr Gaye. However, Senegal sealed the deal with a spectacular strike from Camara, assisted by Iliman Ndiaye, securing a comfortable victory.
The Gambia now faces a crucial test against Guinea in their second group-stage match on Friday, aiming for a positive response after a challenging AFCON opener.