Jackson Brace Powers Senegal Past Botswana in AFCON 2025 Opener
Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Senegal opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Botswana at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Tuesday.
The on-loan Bayern Munich striker struck either side of half-time to put the Lions of Teranga firmly in control, before Cherif Ndiaye added a late third to seal the win.
It was the first-ever meeting between the two nations at the AFCON finals, though Senegal had already enjoyed dominance in their previous encounters.
The sides met twice during qualifying for the 2015 tournament, with Senegal winning both matches without conceding. That record continued here, as Botswana struggled to find a breakthrough against a relentless Senegalese attack.
Botswana, making only their second appearance at the continental showpiece after debuting in 2012, once again faced West African opposition. Back then, they were grouped with Ghana, Guinea and Mali, and this time Senegal proved just as unforgiving.
Senegal’s superiority was reflected in the head-to-head statistics: now three games played, three wins, eight goals scored, none conceded, and a goal difference of +8. For Botswana, the wait for a first goal against the Lions of Teranga goes on.
With this result, Senegal top Group D on goal difference ahead of DR Congo, who earlier edged Benin 1-0. The defending champions have made the perfect start, underlining their credentials as one of the favourites in Morocco 2025.
