By: Dawda Baldeh
In the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the Lions of Taranga, also known as the Senegal national football team, secured a convincing 3-0 victory against their neighboring opponents, the Gambia national football team, also known as the Scorpions. This marks the Scorpions’ second participation in the tournament.
The game kicked off with an early lead for the Senegalese, as their star player Sadio Mane set up Pape Gueye for the opener in the fourth minute.
Lamine Camara, the Senegalese and Metz attacking midfielder, scored twice as the defending champions began the Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable 3-0 win over Gambia on Monday afternoon.
With his versatile playing style and notable presence in midfield, Camara showcased his skills in ball recovery, precise passing, and offensive flair.
Camara’s second goal, which occurred in the 86th minute, is considered one of the best goals of the tournament so far. He unleashed a powerful shot from around 20 yards, accurately placing it in the top right corner of the net. This outstanding goal left the Gambian team with little hope of making a comeback after being set up by Iliman Ndiaye.
Gambia’s chances of a comeback were further diminished when Ebou Adams received a red card for catching Camara at the back of his heel just before halftime. This incident marked the first red card of the tournament.
Camara’s first goal came early in the second half as he made a well-timed run into the penalty area and slotted the ball low into the far post.
With this victory, Senegal currently tops Group C with 3 points and 3 goals. On the other hand, Gambia sits at the bottom of the group with no points after conceding 3 goals to Senegal. The Scorpions will face Guinea Conakry, a team they defeated by one goal in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.
Later in the group stage, the Scorpions will face the five-time African champions Cameroon, who defeated Gambia in the 33rd Edition of the tournament in Cameroon during the 2022 AFCON quarterfinals.
