By Razeen Gutta
Those inside Yamoussoukro’s Stade Charles Konan Banny saw what the world could not as the defending champions Senegal outclassed Gambia on Monday.
Football fans around the world missed large chunks of the game due to a technical problem from the venue which meant that all broadcasts collapsed globally midway through the encounter.
There was instant action once proceedings kicked off, though, with Pape Gueye combining with Sadio Mane to get the opener inside just four minutes.
The Scorpions of Gambia came back fighting but the champions were resolute at the back.
Lamine Camara would soon steal the spotlight as the youngster was victim of a foul from Ebrima Adams, who would see red for his rough challenge.
Camara next went on to net a brace after the break, sending a message of pure intent from the champions to the rest of the continent.
In the evening game, Cameroon and Guinea played out a 1-1 draw to complete the double header of games in Yamoussoukro.
Mohamed Bayo put Guinea in front early on before a red card to Francois Kamano left them down to ten men for all of the second half.
Cameroon capitalised on the extra man quickly as Frank Magri levelled matters on the 51 minute mark.
Despite keeping the majority of the ball, the Indomitable Lions lacked the finishing touch required to claim all three points.
Pictured above: Senegal seal a 3-0 opening game win over Gambia
Image source: @TotalAfcon2023
