Champions style! Senegal begin AFCON title defence with convincing victory over Gambia
Defending champions Senegal kicked off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a convincing victory over Gambia in a Group C encounter on Monday, January 15, 2024. SportsRation reports.
The Teranga Lions seized control early in the match when Pape Gueye finished off a Sadio Mane pass, finding the in the fourth minute from inside the penalty area.
Gambia’s hopes of a fight-back took a blow just before half-time when Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams received a red card for an off-the-ball challenge.
Senegal extended their lead in the second half as Lamine Camara scored with a low finish and later curled in a spectacular third goal from a distance.
The victory marked Senegal’s fourth win in a five-match unbeaten run, giving them an early advantage in Group C at the 2023 AFCON.
Despite The Gambia’s best efforts, including a notable attempt from Musa Barrow that was saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, they were unable to recover from the one-man disadvantage. Senegal’s defense remained solid to secure a fifth successive clean sheet.
The win sets the stage for Senegal’s upcoming clash with Cameroon in their second group-stage match on Friday, January 19.
For the Scorpions of Gambia, under the guidance of veteran coach Tom Saintfiet, they will seek redemption in their next game against Guinea, the team they defeated against the odds in the 2021 AFCON quarter-finals.
In the pot-match interview, Senegal’s head coach Aliou Cisse expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining their unbeaten streak.
