Senegal made a dominant start to their AFCON 2025 campaign, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Botswana in their opening match at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Tangier on Tuesday. The match saw Nicholas Jackson steal the spotlight with a clinical brace, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess and sending a strong message to their rivals.
The former champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, playing with precision and intent from the very first whistle. Senegal’s attacking display was a sight to behold as they put Botswana under pressure for much of the game, displaying their credentials as serious contenders to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations title they lost to Cote d’Ivoire in 2023.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute, when Nicholas Jackson opened the scoring with a calm and composed finish. Ismail Jakobs provided the assist, delivering a well-timed cross from the left that Jackson expertly converted into the back of the net. The goal was a testament to Senegal’s attacking efficiency, with Jackson finishing off an attack that had kept the Botswana defense on edge throughout the first half.
Despite the scoreboard showing Senegal’s dominance, Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko was exceptional in keeping his side in the game. Phoko made a series of crucial saves, denying Jackson, Sadio Mane, and Iliman Ndiaye on multiple occasions, preventing a greater margin for the Lions of Teranga.
After the break, Senegal came out with the same intensity. In the 58th minute, Ismaila Sarr set up Jackson for his second goal of the match. Sarr’s brilliant pass put Jackson through on goal, and the striker made no mistake, doubling Senegal’s lead and essentially putting the match beyond Botswana’s reach.
As the game entered stoppage time, substitute Chérif Ndiaye wrapped up the victory with a well-taken goal. Ndiaye, who replaced Jackson late in the match, finished off a cross from Cheikh Sabaly with precision, giving Senegal a 3-0 lead that reflected their dominance in the game.
Following the match, Nicholas Jackson was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match for his match-winning performance. The striker expressed his satisfaction with the result, saying, “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.”
