Defending champions begin AFCON title defence in style

Senegal started their hopes of becoming the first country to retain their Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time since Egypt did in 2010 on a bright note by defeating ten-man Gambia 3-0.

The Teranga Lions started brightly with a fourth-minute strike from Pape Gueye at the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro on Monday. 

Despite the early goal, Senegal didn’tdidn’t get a second goal in the first half, although the Gambian were reduced to ten men in the stoppage time before the break. 

Youngster Lamine Camara scored a stunning long-range strike in the 52nd minute and then added a late second four minutes before time.

Senegal’sSenegal’s coach, Aliou Cisse, was pleased with the performance of his team while eulogizing the performance of the 20-year-old France-based forward.

“”I am very satisfied with the performance of the players, especially since things were difficult given the climatic conditions and heat that we faced. We will continue to work hard on a few things that need to be rectified, but overall, I am very happy with this victory. Lamine Camara is a young player, and his time has come. He scored two goals against Gambia and gave a distinguished performance on the field. The young player must be trusted and developed.”” Aliou Cisse said.

Senegal will face Cameroon, while The Gambia will play Guinea. Guinea and Cameroon also played on Monday, with the game ending with a 1-1 draw after Guinea’sGuinea’s opener in the tenth minute through Mohammed Bayo was canceled by Frank Magri’sMagri’s 51st-minute strike.

The Guineans were reduced to ten men when Francois Kamano was red-carded before the halftime break. 

The last game of Monday was Algeria’sAlgeria’s 1-1 with Angola. Baghdad Bounedjah opened the scoring in the 11 minutes, and although he had a spectacular second, it was canceled for offside. Angola equalized after the hour mark from the penalty spot through Mabululu.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu