The reigning African champions are off to a flying start at AFCON 2023. The Lions of Senegal easily overcame Gambia, with a brace from nugget Lamine Camara, in Group C.
Lamine Camara scores twice against Gambia
Senegal are off to a good start in their title defense. The Lions beat Gambia in Group C of the AFCON 2023. The African champions wasted no time against the Scorpions. They opened the scoring in the 6th minute. Well served by Sadio Mané in the Gambian box, Pape Guèye hit a low shot into the net. It was the midfielder's first goal at an African Cup of Nations. Gambia tried to claw their way back into the match, but were thwarted by the Lions' defensive solidity. The Scorpions even received a red card at the end of the first half. Ebou Adams was sent off after a heavy foul on Lamine Camara.
Lamine Camara impressive
Back in the second half, the Lions immediately break the deadlock. Nugget Lamine Camara doubled the lead. Well set up by Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr fed Lamine perfectly, who made it 2-0 with a cross-shot from a tight angle. The young Messinian went on to score twice. After a festival of dribbling, Iliman Ndiaye fed Camara, who curled his right-footed shot into the top corner from 18 metres. The FC Metz midfielder was even voted man of the match. A perfect debut for the 20-year-old in this competition. Senegal thus take the lead in Group C ahead of the meeting between Cameroon and Guinea, scheduled for 17:00 GMT.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇸🇳 3-0 🇬🇲
The Lions of Teranga put on a show and beat The Gambia without conceding ✅ #SENGMB | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @Football2Gether
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 15, 2024