AFCON: Camara hits double as Senegal thrash Gambia
Camara hits brace
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
Defending champions Senegal thrashed 10-man Gambia 3-0 to begin the defence of their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on a promising note.
Senegal made a dream start in Yamoussoukro with a breakthrough inside four minutes. A loose ball found its way to Sadio Mané in the box, and he showed impressive vision to lay it off to Pape Gueye, who swept a clinical first-time finish into the bottom corner.
The Gambia, whose preparations for the tournament were disrupted after their flight to Ivory Coast was forced to turn around mid-flight, looked determined to gain a foothold in the contest as the first half progressed.
However, their best opportunity was spurned shortly before the half-hour mark when Ali Sowe directed a close-range header wastefully wide of the target.
The Scorpions’ task was made all the more difficult on the stroke of half time, when Ebou Adams was dismissed for a reckless tackle on Lamine Camara.
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Senegal emerged after the restart keen to press home their advantage, and they doubled their lead within seven minutes, as Camara raced onto Ismaïla Sarr’s through-ball and slotted a neat finish into the far corner.
According to Flashscores, that goal all but sealed the three points for the Lions of Teranga, who came close to adding a quickfire third, only for Habib Diallo to see an effort from point-blank range thwarted by Baboucarr Gaye.
There was to be no denying Senegal with four minutes remaining though, as the influential Camara curled a spectacular strike into the top corner after excellent work from Iliman Ndiaye, wrapping up a comfortable opening victory for the defending champions.
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