Striker Henri Camara got the opener and set up the second goal as Senegal triumphed over Zimbabwe in a Group D tie Monday at the Port Said Stadium, putting the 'Teranga Lions' at the top of the group ahead of Nigeria.

After a barren first half in which the 'Teranga Lions' missed a number of chances, Camara slotted home in the 59th minute after beating the oncoming Zimbabwean goalkeeper Gift Muzadzi to face an empty goal.

Camara, rated the 'Man of the Match', set up the second goal after dribbling past two Zimbabwean defenders to link substitute Issa Ba who slammed the ball home in the 80th minute with his first touch after replacing El-Hadji Diouf.

The southern Africans had squandered two glorious opportunities, with star striker Benjani Mwariwari failing to convert when he had only goalie Tony Sylva to contend with.

In the group's other match at the same venue earlier in the day, Nigeria's Taye Taiwo got the winner in the 85th minute against Ghana to secure all three points for his side in a match that looked like it was headed for a tie.

Senegal tops Group D with three points and two goals, followed by the Nigerians with a similar point, but an inferior goal tally.