Monday, January 15, 2024

Defending champions, roar to victory in TotalEnergies CAF AFCON opener

YAMOUSSOUKRO,  Ivory Coast 

Reigning champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal opened their title defense campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over The Gambia at Yamoussoukro’s Stade Charles Konan Banny, thanks to a Pape Gueye early strike that was accompanied by a Lamine Camara second half brace.

The Scorpions, who were quarter-finalists in the last edition were outclassed by the reigning champions who dismantled them with the early goal by Gueye following a Sadio Mane assist. 

The Gambia tried re-grouping and fighting their way back into the match but were met by a resolute and disciplined Senegalese defense. 

Things got worse for the scorpions when Ebrima Adams was sent off for an early shower after a vicious tackle on the young Lamine Camara just before the break. 

Returning from recess, the reigning champions continued their dominance, giving the Scorpions zero chances of a comeback, who were a man down. 

A brace by the young sensation, Camara which included a peach of a strike from the edge of the box that found its way into the top corner saw the Lions of Teranga roar into a 3-0 victory to go top of Group C and send a clear message of intent to their opponents. 

Up next for the defending champions is a mouth-watering tie against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on Friday, 19 January. 

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