Nicolas Jackson struck twice as Senegal opened their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 3–0 Group D victory over Botswana in Tangier.
The Chelsea forward broke the deadlock five minutes before halftime, tapping home Ismail Jakobs’ low delivery after Senegal finally wore down Botswana’s resilient defence.
Jackson doubled the advantage shortly before the hour mark, displaying sharp footwork to control Ismaïla Sarr’s pass before finishing from close range.
Champions in 2021 and once again tipped as title contenders, Senegal dominated proceedings, peppering the Botswana goal with relentless pressure.
Their superiority was reflected late on when Cherif Ndiaye added a third, capping off a performance that saw the Lions register 28 attempts on goal.
In the day’s earlier Group D encounter, the Democratic Republic of Congo controlled large spells against Benin but had to settle for a narrow 1–0 win after squandering several opportunities.
Théo Bongonda fired DR Congo ahead in the 16th minute, allowing a long pass to bounce before volleying past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé.
The Leopards thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Cédric Bakambu headed in from Nathanaël Mbuku’s cross, but a prolonged VAR review ruled the effort out for offside.
Bakambu later went close again on the break, only for his shot to be diverted behind for a corner.
Benin largely absorbed pressure throughout the match, yet almost snatched a late equaliser, with Aiyegun Tosin denied by an important save from DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
