Senegal kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in style, sweeping past Botswana 3-0 in Tangier on Tuesday, with Nicholas Jackson netting a brilliant brace.
From the opening whistle, the former champions seized control, unleashing a relentless, high-tempo attack that showcased their hunger to reclaim the crown lost to Cote d’Ivoire in 2023.
Five minutes before halftime, Jackson capitalized on relentless Senegalese pressure, slotting home Jakobs’ cross. The goal perfectly captured the Lions’ dominance throughout the match.
Goitseone Phoko, Botswana’s goalkeeper, kept his team in the game during the first half by making excellent saves, including two against Jackson, two against Sadio Mane, and one against Iliman Ndiaye in the first 40 minutes.
Senegal maintained their attacking intensity after the interval, striking again in the 58th minute. Jackson coolly finished Sarr’s assist, sealing his second goal of the night.
In stoppage time, substitute Chérif Ndiaye put the finishing touch on the victory, converting Cheikh Sabaly’s cross.
Jackson earned TotalEnergies Man of the Match, commending the team’s work. “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,” he said
