Whilst holders Senegal began their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with their Group C. victory over 10-man underdogs The Gambia, five-time champions Cameroon were held to a draw by, also 10-man, Guinea – and again already - another surprise results.
For the much-fancied Teranga Lions, Pape Gueye gave them the ideal start, collecting Sadio Mane's pass to fire in a fourth-minute opener from inside the penalty area. Lamine Camara (pic) doubled Senegal's lead before curling in a classy third from distance shortly after the break.
For The Gambia, Cardiff City midfielder Ebou Adams was dismissed for an off-the ball challenge just before half-time. With Cameroon held by 10-man Guinea in the other Group C match, Senegal's fourth win of a five-match unbeaten run gave Aliou Cisse's side early control of the group as they kept a fifth successive clean sheet.
After The Gambia (Fifa ranked 126th) threatened early, after Gueye's opener, Habib Diallo also went close for Senegal while Musa Barrow and Ali Sowe sent first-half efforts wide for The Gambia. As Camara doubled Senegal's advantage, Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye produced a fine stop to prevent Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson from scoring off the bench, and Ismail Jakobs also fired wide from a tight angle.
Camara's second was a right-footed strike from outside the box arced over Gaye and into the far corner of the net. In their opener, five-time champions Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Guinea for what for many was another surprise results.
It was, however, Guinea - world-ranked 80th by Fifa - who shocked early when Mohamed Bayo fired them into an early lead. But they had to play the entire second half a man light after skipper Francois Kamano stamped on Frank Magri's heel. Magri nodded in Georges-Kevin Nkoudou's cross to draw Cameroon level but Guinea admirably hung on for a deserved point.
The Indomitable Lions almost snatched victory towards the end, but Guinea keeper Ibrahim Kone made a fine save from Karl Toko Ekambi to ensure honours ended even. The draw leaves both sides with work to do to qualify for the knockout stages with holders Senegal sitting top of Group C after their comfortable victory.
In the late Group D. match, Algeria also made a slow start to the tournament after being held to another 1-1 draw – this one against Angola after Baghdad Bounedjah fired them ahead in the first half. But they were pegged back on the hour by Mabululu's penalty and follows Egypt, Ghana and Cameroon in failing to win their opening match. Algeria, captained by former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, dominated in the first half, going on to have 16 shots and 66% possession in the match, but were unable to put away a dogged Angola.