Senegal got their African Nations Cup qualifying campaign off to the best possible start, with a win over Lesotho in Maseru.

But their victory was marred by a late red card to winger Khalilou Fadiga, who had a sublime game for most of the match.

On top from the very start, the Dakar Lions should have won by a bigger margin.

Both Fadiga and Henri Camara relished the early space they were given by the Lesotho defence. They missed two good chances in the early part of the game.

Lesotho goalkeeper Thabo Khoboli was in amazing form and was largely responsible for the slim scoreline, as he thwarted the efforts of Senegal's strike force.

And it was some wonderful skill from Fadiga that set up the only goal of the game just before half time.

The Auxerre winger picked the ball from deep inside his own half, ran the length of the pitch and delivered the cross to the feet of Camara, who powered his effort home.

After the break, Lesotho came back out with a packed defence, clearly signalling their intent to keep the score down.

The tactic worked to limit the attacks on the Lesotho goal but it meant that Senegal's goalkeeper was on holiday, as Tony Sylva was untroubled by the Lesothan attack.

The Dakar Lions were on course to a stress-free win until a bad tackle by a frustrated Fadiga earned him a yellow card.

His protest against the decision led to a red card, which ended the match on a sour note.