AFCON: Senegal dominate Botswana in Group D opener

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Group D favorites Senegal got off to a winning start at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Tuesday’s 3-0 result over Botswana in Tangier, Morocco.

The Bayern Munich striker scored a goal in each half for the Lions of Teranga before substitute Cherif Ndiaye added one more goal late on. Senegal very well could have made the score more lopsided if not for the efforts of Zebras goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko. The Botswana keeper came up with numerous reaction saves to keep his team in the match.

But despite Phoko’s efforts against the Senegalese siege throughout the first half, the breakthrough was inevitable and Senegal’s opener arrived in the 40th minute. Attacking left back Ismail Jakobs was played in on the wing and the Galatasaray player’s low cross found Jackson for a low finish past Phoko.

The dominance continued after halftime and any faint hopes of a comeback for the Zebras were eliminated by Jackson’s second goal close to the hour mark. A quick break down the middle of the pitch created space for Ismaila Sarr on the right wing, whose pass found Jackson in the penalty area for a composed finish from close range.

Late on, the West Africans added one more goal when Cherif Ndiaye got on the end of a low cross from fellow substitute Cheikh Sabaly to complete the scoring.

Senegal will next battle DR Congo, winners against Benin earlier on Tuesday, in their second Group D clash on Saturday. Botswana and Benin will both be eyeing their first points at the competition when they meet on the same day.