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, who were a man down, zero chances of a comeback.

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.

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