TANGER, Morocco (Interstat) — Senegal opened its Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin on Tuesday at Stade Ibn Batouta. The result defied pre-match projections that heavily favored the home side.

Abdoulaye Seck broke the deadlock with a header in the 38th minute. Habib Diallo doubled the lead with a left-footed strike in the 62nd. Senegal added a late third goal after Benin was reduced to 10 men following Kalidou Koulibaly’s red card in the 71st minute.

The physical match featured five yellow cards. Senegal begins the tournament with a win, while Benin must regroup after a disappointing start.