Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in emphatic style on Tuesday, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Botswana in Tangier. The match, played under torrential rain at the 75,000-seat stadium, saw Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson emerge as the star with two crucial goals.
Jackson Shines in Dominant Display
The Teranga Lions, one of the tournament favourites, controlled proceedings from the outset. Despite heavy rain, Senegal created numerous chances. Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jackson all came close early on, but Botswana's goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko made several vital saves, including blocking a one-on-one effort from Jackson within the first three minutes.
The relentless pressure finally told five minutes before halftime. A slick combination between Germany-born Ismail Jakobs and the Chelsea-owned Jackson broke the deadlock. Jakobs cut in from the left and pulled the ball back for Jackson, who expertly guided a left-footed shot past Phoko.
Botswana's Resistance Fades
Botswana, ranked 119 places below Senegal, offered a brief threat just before the break but wasted a promising free-kick opportunity. After halftime, Senegal's superiority became even more pronounced. In the 58th minute, a fluid move involving quick, crisp passing set Jackson free in the box. The 24-year-old rounded defender Mosha Gaolaolwe and tapped in to double the lead and complete his brace.
With the result beyond doubt, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw gave a debut to 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain prospect Ibrahim Mbaye. The young striker, who recently became Senegal's youngest-ever international scorer, came on midway through the second half. The scoring was wrapped up in the 90th minute when Cherif Ndiaye finished smartly after another fine team move, putting the cherry on the cake for the Lions.
Group D Implications and Looking Ahead
The 3-0 win sends Senegal to the top of Group D on goal difference, ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who beat Benin 1-0 earlier in Rabat. As former champions, both Senegal and DR Congo are heavily favoured to take the top two spots and advance to the round of 16.
For Botswana and Benin, their upcoming clash on Saturday now becomes a must-win encounter. The victor in that match will keep alive their hopes of securing one of the four best third-place slots available for progression to the knockout stages. Senegal will look to build on this confident start as they continue their quest for a second AFCON title.
