Senegal have a new star – Lamine Camara
On day 3 of the Afcon 2023 tournament, The Lions of Teranga began their title defence by feasting on the Scorpions of Gambia. It took just four minutes for the holders to make their intentions to retain their title known. Pape Gueye received the perfect pass from Sadio Mane to fire home a fourth-minute opener from inside the penalty area. Lamine Camara added salt to Gambian wounds when he doubled Senegal’s lead with a low finish in the 52nd minute of the second half. By the 86th minute, the Metz midfielder added a third goal to end the match as a contest. Senegal seems to have found a natural attacking successor to Sadio Mane in the lively youngster, Lamine Camara. His goals from midfield will be crucial to coach Aliou Cisse’s success in the tournament this year.
Toothless Indomitable Lions draw
Unlike the Lions of Teranga, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon did not appear to be hungry for three points. The five-time African champions were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Guinea.
Guinea threatened to add to the ever-growing list of Afcon shock results when Mohamed Bayo fired them into an early lead. Frank Magri rescued a point for the Indomitable Lions after heading in a cross from Damac winger, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou. Despite playing the whole second half with a man less than Cameroon, Guinea commendably fought hard to keep the game at 1-1 after the final whistle blew. The draw leaves Senegal sitting at the top of Group C. The Indomitable Lions will no doubt fight The Lions of Teranga for all three points when the two prides clash on Friday.
Palancas Negras frustrate The Desert Foxes
2010 quarter-finalists, Angola denied 2019 Afcon winners, Algeria a precious three points in Group D. Like Egypt, Nigeria and Cameroon, the North African former champions could only manage to secure a single point in their first match. Head coach Djamel Belmadi was elated to see Baghdad Bounedjah put the Desert Warriors ahead. However, Algeria were made to pay for several missed opportunities to double their lead when Lille midfielder Nabil Bentaleb committed a foul in their penalty area, allowing Mabululu to level the match from the spot in the 65th minute. The result remained 1-1 after 90 minutes plus added time. The two teams top Group D and calmly wait to see the outcome of the Mauritania and Burkina Faso game.