Jackson Scores Twice as Senegal Beat Botswana 3-0 in Afcon Opener

Jackson Claims Double as Senegal Brush Aside Botswana 3-0

Senegal got their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign off to a perfect start with a dominant 3-0 win over Botswana in Group D, as Nicolas Jackson netted twice in rainy Tangier.

In difficult weather conditions, the 2021 champions imposed themselves early, launching relentless attacks while Botswana struggled to gain any control. The Zebras’ goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko delivered a string of impressive early saves, denying Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye within the first 30 minutes.

But the breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, converted a perfect cross from Ismail Jakobs, finding space inside the box to calmly slot home.

Jackson Leads the Line with Confidence

Jackson doubled Senegal’s advantage in the 58th minute, showing composure and finishing quality as he swept in a second after a smart attacking move. The 24-year-old nearly completed his hat-trick with 15 minutes left, but blasted over after creating space inside the area.

Cherif Ndiaye, introduced in the second half, sealed the win with a third goal in the 89th minute, punishing a tired Botswana defence that had been overrun all game.

Senegal finished with 28 total shots, 17 on target, with coach Pape Thiaw likely satisfied by the creative output, but perhaps wanting sharper finishing as the tournament progresses.

Botswana’s Afcon Struggles Continue

For Botswana, this was another tough lesson on the continental stage. Making only their second appearance at Afcon—after losing all three matches in 2012—the Zebras once again looked out of their depth. They failed to register a serious chance and will need to significantly improve against Benin in their next group game in Rabat on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Their manager will be hoping the players can regroup quickly, or another winless Afcon could be on the cards.

Senegal Top Group D Ahead of DR Congo

With this convincing result, Senegal now lead Group D on goal difference, ahead of DR Congo, who also won their opening fixture. The two teams face off next in Tangier on Saturday (15:00 GMT) in what could decide the top spot in the group.

Backed by a deep squad featuring Mane, Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye, Senegal remain among the favourites to lift the Afcon trophy on 18 January in Rabat.