Pape Gueye initiated an impressive start for the Teranga Lions by receiving a pass from Sadio Mane and scoring the opening goal from inside the penalty area in the fourth minute for Senegal. Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams received a red card for an off-the-ball challenge just before halftime, putting The Gambia at a numerical disadvantage.
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In the second half, Lamine Camara increased Senegal’s lead with a precise finish and added a third goal with a skillful long-distance shot. Senegal’s early dominance in the group was further solidified with a 3-0 victory, marking their fourth win in a five-match unbeaten streak and maintaining a fifth successive clean sheet.
SIKASPORTS🌍🏆: Lamine Camara.
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) January 15, 2024
🇸🇳 Senegal 3-0 Gambia 🇬🇲. What a setup by Ndiaye, and what a sweet sweet strike! pic.twitter.com/dh8ONvI2jl
Despite The Gambia having an initial threat with Edouard Mendy saving Alasana Manneh’s powerful attempt, they couldn’t match Senegal’s prowess. Despite Adams’ dismissal, they came close to equalizing early in the second half, but Mendy’s exceptional save denied Musa Barrow.
Senegal’s overall superiority persisted as Gueye and Habib Diallo created opportunities, while The Gambia’s Barrow and Ali Sowe missed chances.
Camara’s second goal exemplified brilliant teamwork, with Iliman Ndiaye’s skillful play on the right setting up the Metz midfielder for an outstanding right-footed strike from outside the box, securing Senegal’s comfortable victory.
Looking forward, Senegal is scheduled to face Cameroon in their second group-stage match at Yamoussoukro’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Friday (17:00 GMT).
In the upcoming game at the same venue (20:00 GMT), Tom Saintfiet’s Gambia will aim to put an end to a series of three successive losses against Guinea, the team they triumphed against against all odds, securing a spot in the quarter-finals during Afcon 2021.
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