Senegal made a powerful statement at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 as they swept aside Botswana 3–0 in Tangier on Tuesday, with Nicolas Jackson scoring in each half to underline their title credentials.
Despite Senegal’s early dominance, Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko produced a series of outstanding saves to keep the scoreline level through much of the first half.
The Zebras’ stopper denied Jackson twice at close range, reacted sharply to keep out efforts from Sadio Mané, and produced another fine intervention to stop Iliman Ndiaye as Senegal pressed relentlessly.
The breakthrough eventually arrived five minutes before the interval. Ismail Jakobs delivered a precise cross from the left, and Jackson met it first time with a composed finish that finally gave Senegal a deserved lead and eased any growing frustration.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Senegal continued to dictate the tempo and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. This time, Ismaila Sarr was the provider, sliding a pass into Jackson’s path, and the striker showed good composure to finish clinically for his second of the night.
Two minutes from time, the Lions added a third. Cheikh Sabaly surged down the right and delivered a low cross that was swept home by Cherif Ndiaye, who had replaced Jackson moments earlier, to put the gloss on an emphatic opening-night display.
The victory hands Senegal a confident start to their AFCON campaign as they look to win the continental crown again, while Botswana will need to regroup quickly after being outplayed by one of the tournament favourites.
CAF
