Senegal cruise past Botswana to open AFCON 2025 campaign in style

Senegal made a commanding start to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Botswana in Tangier on Tuesday evening, led by a clinical brace from Nicholas Jackson.

The former champions dominated proceedings from the opening whistle and underlined their title credentials with a performance full of control, tempo, and attacking intent as they began their bid to reclaim the crown lost to Cote d’Ivoire in 2023.

Jackson opened the scoring five minutes before the break, applying a composed first-time finish to Ismail Jakobs’ well-delivered cross from the left after sustained Senegalese pressure. The goal reflected the balance of play, with the Lions of Teranga creating chances at will.

Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko kept his side in the contest for much of the first half, producing a series of fine saves to deny Jackson twice, Sadio Mane twice, and Iliman Ndiaye once in a busy opening 40 minutes.

Senegal resumed with the same authority after the interval and doubled their lead in the 58th minute. Jackson again found the net, this time finishing confidently after being played through by Ismaila Sarr to complete his brace.

The result was sealed in stoppage time when substitute Chérif Ndiaye, who had replaced Jackson late on, swept home Cheikh Sabaly’s cross from the right to cap a polished team display.

Jackson was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match and praised the collective effort. “I am very happy to have started on this note by scoring two goals. Most importantly, we won and played well. It is a good start, but our focus now turns to the next game,” he said.

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