Defending champions Senegal got off to a winning start with an emphatic 3-0 victory over 10-men Gambia in their opening Group C Match played at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

Pape Gueye first half goal and Lamine Camara’s second half brace sent Senegal on their way to what was a comfortable victory on the day.

Gueye struck as early as the 4th minute after being set up by Sadio Mane, a start that would have pleased Aliou Cissé.

Gambia were reduced to 10 men in the dying minutes of the first half with Ebou Adams shown a red card for violent conduct.

Tom Saintfiet’s men going into the break knowing that they had a huge mountain to climb with a player short.

And that mountain was made bigger with Senegal doubling the lead 7 minutes after the restart with Lamine Camara’s effort finding the back of the net from an Ismaila Sarr pass.

The 20-year old Camara got his second with an absolute beauty of a goal to leave Gambia goalkeeper Gaye with no chance of saving it.

The defending Champions were not troubled for the entire 90 minutes and saw off the match to collect maximum points.

Senegal sending a statement of intent in their opening game that they won’t let go of the trophy that easy.