By Vitus Michael

Senegal on Monday began their Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON title on a sound footing after they set aside hard-fighting Gambia 3-0 in their first Group C match on Monday night

Lamine Camara’s double helped the Teranga Lions record the win.

Pape Gueye put the 2021 champions ahead just four minutes in, while Gambia were reduced to 10 men when Cardiff midfielder Ebou Adams was sent off on the stroke of half-time.

The Lions came into the game determined not to take any chances as they scored very early precisely in the 4th minute with Gueye doing the job. Captain fantastic Sadio Mane provided the assist.

The first 45 minutes ended with the slim lead by the champions.

Camara doubled their lead – seven minutes after the break – and wrapped up victory in style with a stunning curling strike in the closing stages.

They were nearly gifted a third when Yankuba Minteh found Habib Diallo in the six-yard box, but goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye managed to smother the attempt.

Gambia had two half-chances from Omar Colley, but Senegal remained in control with Gaye being called into action again to deny Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson from close range.

Camara capped off the afternoon as he completed his brace in the 86th minute when Iliman Ndiaye weaved past the Gambia defence to find the Metz midfielder, who curled the ball first time into the top right-hand corner from 25 yards out to seal victory.

It would be noted that other favorites like Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt started the tournament on a shaky note.

While Nigeria and Egypt drew against Equitorial Guinea and Mozambique, Ghana fell by 1-2 to Cape Verde.

The loss to Cape Verde caused an uproar in the camp of the Black Stars as a disappointed fan attacked the coach. The fan has since been handed over to the police.