Senegal began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey with an assured 3-0 success against Botswana in a Group D clash played under heavy rainfall in Tangier.
Senegal began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey with an assured 3-0 success against Botswana in a Group D clash played under heavy rainfall in Tangier.
From the outset, the 2021 titleholders dictated the tempo, pinning their opponents back and repeatedly testing a defence that struggled to adjust to the conditions.
Botswana’s resistance initially centred on goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, who produced a string of saves to deny Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, and others during a one-sided opening spell.
Despite his efforts, sustained pressure eventually took its toll shortly before half-time.
Five minutes before the interval, Nicolas Jackson capitalised on a precise delivery from Ismail Jakobs, steering the ball home from close range after finding space inside the box.
The forward doubled his tally in the 58th minute, finishing calmly to underline Senegal’s superiority as Botswana faded further.
Later on, substitute Cherif Ndiaye added a third, applying the final touch in the closing moments of regulation time to complete a comprehensive scoreline.
Jackson later missed an opportunity to claim a hat-trick, firing over after creating room for himself in the area with a quarter of an hour remaining.
Senegal finished the match with 28 attempts, 17 of which required saves, a statistic that reflected their attacking control and kept Phoko constantly involved.
The trio of Jackson, Mané, and Ndiaye combined effectively alongside Ismaila Sarr, though head coach Pape Thiaw will expect sharper efficiency as the competition continues.
Victory lifted the Teranga Lions to the top of Group D on goal difference, ahead of DR Congo, whom they meet next in Tangier, while Botswana faces Benin in Rabat, still searching for their first-ever AFCON win.
With another defeat added to a record that includes three losses on their only previous appearance in 2012, the Zebras now face an uphill task to change their history at the finals.
