Gambia player Ebou Adams became the first player to be sent off at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as his team battled Senegal in a Group C contest Monday.

At the stroke of half-time, Adams, who features for EFL Championship side Cardiff City, was sent off for an early shower after he was given his marching orders for a studs-up challenge following a VAR review.

By the time Adams was sent off, Senegal were leading the game 1-0 courtesy of a fourth minute goal from Pape Gueye.

A poor defensive header found the unmarked Sadio Mane, who turned and rolled the ball to Gueye 12 yards out, and the Marseille midfielder swept home a controlled first-time finish with his left foot.

Gambia XI: Gaye; Janko, Gomez, O. Colley, Touray, Adams, Manneh, Darboe; Minteh, Barrow, Sowe.

Subs: Jobe, Barry, Ngum, Marreh, Fadera, Ceesay, Sanyang, Sundberg, Mendy, M. Sanneh, Badamosi, B. Sanneh.

Senegal XI: E. Mendy; Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; Diatta, Camara, P. Gueye, A. Diallo; Sarr, H. Diallo, Mane.

Subs: Gomis, F. Mendy, Seck, I. Gueye, N. Mendy, Jackson, Kouyate, Ciss, Ndiaye, P. Sarr, Diaw, Sima.