Defending champions, Senegal kicked-off thier AFCON 2023 campaign with a confortable 3-0 win over Gambia at the Charles Konan Banny stadium.
In the 20th minute, Pape Gueye found the back of the net, putting Senegal ahead and setting the tone for the rest of the game.Despite Gambia’s efforts to have an impact in the first half, Senegal’s rock defense and disciplined gameplay kept them at bay.
Gambia’s attacks were met with several resilience from the Senegalese side following the second half.
Gambia’s hopes were dashed to the air after Senegal’s young and talented 20-year-old player, Lamine Camara, showcased his skills by netting two goals.
Senegal’s commanding victory not only sealed their victory but also demonstrated the depth of talent within their squad.
With this impressive start, the defending champions have laid down a marker and sent a warning to their group C counterparts.
Frank Magri rescues Cameroon in draw against 10-man Guinea
The National Elphants of Guinea took the lead just 10 minutes into the game.
Cameroon’s Olivier Kemen’s woeful defending saw Mohamed Bayo grabbing the advantage to fire an opener.
Despite thier lead, things got worse for Guinea later in the second half as Francois Kamano was sent off for a nasty tackle.
Cameroon then capitalise on Guinea’s numerical advantage five minutes into the second half after an excellent cross found Frank Magri at the back post and the attacker headed in with his team’s first effort on target.
Despite keeping the ball in Guinea’s half for the rest of the game, the Indomitable Lions could not find a way through for a second goal.
Cameroon will take on reigning champions Senegal on January 19 for thier second game, while Guinea will face Gambia on thesame day.
Angola deny Algeria 3 points in opener
The Giant Sable Antelope of Angola pulled a firm performance against 2019 AFCON champions, Algeria to secure a one all draw game in their opening match in Bouake.
Baghdad Bounedjah put the Algerians ahead in the second half.
In the second half Angola’s Mabululu converted a rebound after his penalty hit the bar, to grab a point for Angola in the Group D clash.
Later on, Bounedjah found the net with a spectacular overhead kick but the goal was disallowed as offside after a VAR review.
However, the spell of pressure remains on Algeria to avoid replicating their 2022 AFCON campaign when they entered as defending champions but crashed out in the group stage without a single win.
Unlike the previous editions, the 2023 AFCON continues to change the narratives of the past and depicts that even the underdogs mean business.