Gambia's task against the reigning champions was made even harder at the stroke of half-time, when Ebou Adams was dismissed for a nasty challenge on Camara.
Defending champions Senegal got their their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign off to a 3-0 thrashing of 10-man Gambia at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, on Monday.
A Lamine Camara brace and one from Pape Gueye ensured three routine points for the Lions of Teranga.
With focus on becoming just the fourth nation in AFCON history to successfully defend their title, Senegal made a dream start in Yamoussoukro with a breakthrough inside four minutes.
A loose ball found its way to Sadio Mané in the box, and the talismanic forward showed impressive vision to lay it off to Gueye, who clinically struck in the bottom corner.
Gambia's task against the reigning champions was made even harder at the stroke of half-time, when Ebou Adams was dismissed for a nasty challenge on Camara.
Senegal kickstarted the second half with a focus on extending their advantage, and Aliou Cissé's men duly doubled their lead within seven minutes as Camara latched on Ismaïla Sarr's pass to slot a neat finish into the far corner.
10:12 - 15.01.2024
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With four minutes on the clock, Camara capped off a Man of the Match display by curling a magnificent strike into the top corner after getting at the end of Iliman Ndiaye's pass.
Senegal will want to secure early progress to the knockout stages this Friday when they tussle it out with five-time champions Cameroon.
09:40 - 15.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Chris Hughton - Ghana's coach still mourning disappointing defeat to Cape Verde
And head coach Chris Hughton was left in shock and disappointed for letting the country down.
On the other hand, Gambia will be desperate for a positive response in their second group-stage match against Guinea.