By Landing Ceesay
The Teranga Lions of Senegal roared into their AFCON2023 title defense with a dominant 3-0 victory over the Scorpions of the Gambia in the Group C opener on Monday.
The Lions wasted no time, claiming an early lead in the 4th minute. Star forward Sadio Mané orchestrated the attack, serving up a delightful pass for 24-year-old Pape Gueye to finish.
The Gambia, stung by the early goal, responded with a bite. Both Musa Barrow and Yankuba Minteh threatened the Senegalese net, but their efforts fell short. Just before halftime, Gambia’s hopes took a blow when midfielder Ebou Adams received a straight red card after VAR intervention, leaving the Scorpions to face the second half a man down.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Gambia didn’t give up. Musa Barrow nearly equalized with a powerful shot in the second half, but Edouard Mendy, Senegal’s formidable goalkeeper, stood firm.
The Teranga Lions, however, weren’t done yet. Youngster Lamine Camara capitalized on Gambia’s depleted ranks, doubling Senegal’s lead in the 52nd minute.
The Gambia continued to fight, throwing in fresh legs to chase an equalizer. But Senegal’s defense held firm, and in the 86th minute, Camara delivered the final blow, scoring his second and Senegal’s third, sealing a dominant win.
The statistics reflected Senegal’s dominance. They fired 12 shots, five on target, while the Gambia managed 10 shots but only two on target.
Senegal’s roar has sent a powerful message to the rest of Group C. They face Cameroon next, while the Gambia will look to regroup against Guinea Conakry.