AFCON: Pape Thiaw happy with Senegal display against Botswana

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has taken positives from their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture against Botswana in Morocco on Tuesday.

The Lions of Teranga made a powerful statement after sweeping aside the Zebras 3-0 in Tangier. Nicolas Jackson scored in each half to underline Senegal’s title credentials.

Senegal could have scored more

“We faced a very strong team, with a deep and compact defensive block. We could have scored more, but what stands out most is my team’s commitment and discipline. What I take away from this match is the team’s professionalism,” Thiaw told reporters as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“The players followed instructions and got the job done.”

Jackson, who scored a brace, and was named man of the match, said: “I am very happy to have started on this note by scoring two goals and hopefully it is the start of many goals to come. Most importantly we won the match and played well. It is an important victory but now it is behind us and we will move our focus to the next game.”

Senegal took the lead when Ismail Jakobs delivered a precise cross from the left, and Jackson met it first time with a composed finish.

The Lions of Teranga doubled their advantage after Ismaila Sarr set up Jackson, who applied a composed finish. Cherif Ndiaye, who had replaced Jackson moments earlier, to put the gloss on an emphatic opening-night display.