Sadio Mane: What Senegal Star Said About Two Goal Hero Lamine Camara After Gambia Win

• Sadio Mane has applauded youngster Lamine Camara
• The FC Metz midfielder scored twice in Senegal's win
• Senegal will face Cameroon on Friday in Group B

Al-Nassr star Sadio Mane has praised youngster Lamine Camara after his brace heroics in Senegal's opening-day victory over Gambia at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Teranga Lions began the defence of their AFCON title in style after making light work of their neighbours in Group C of the tournament.

FC Metz's 20-year-old midfielder, Camara was the star of the show as he won the Man of the Match after the game in Yamoussoukro.

After the game, Mane shared his delight for the youngster and hopes he would enjoy his first Africa Cup of Nations with the senior team.

"It is great pride seeing young players like Lamine flourish," he said after the game, as sighted on 13 Football.

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The 31-year-old remains confident of Senegal's chances at the tournament but wants to take it game-by-game.

The African champions next face Cameroon in Group C with the hopes of securing an early qualification to the knockout stages.

"We know that in this CAN all the matches will be difficult. What is certain is that we will be ready. We know what to do and what not to do to win the CAN. We have experience," he said as quoted by Wiw Sport.

Meanwhile, Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-men Guinea later on the day.

Senegal legend Diouf congratulates Camara

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Senegal forward El-Hadji Diouf was the first to congratulate new sensation Lamine Camara following his Man of the Match performance for Senegal in their victory over Gambia.

The Africa Young Player of the Year netted a brace as the defending champions strolled to a 3-0 win in their opening Group C encounter at the Nations Cup in Cote d'Ivoire.

Camara doubled the Teranga Lions' lead after the break with a low finish before curling home the third late in the game. Papa Gueye had given Senegal an early lead before Ebou Adams of Gambia was sent off at the stroke of half-time for a foul on Camara.