Jackson scores twice as Senegal crush Botswana 3-0 in AfCON win

Two goals from Nicolas Jackson powered Senegal to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Botswana in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The Group D encounter in Tangier was played largely in torrential rain, with Botswana struggling to cope as the 2021 champions launched sustained waves of attack.

In a match reported by the BBC Sports, Zebras goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko made an early case for player of the match, producing a series of fine saves in the opening half-hour to deny Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye.

However, Senegal finally broke the deadlock five minutes before the interval when Jackson swept home a precise left-wing cross from full-back Ismail Jakobs after being left unmarked in the box.

The Chelsea striker doubled his tally in the 58th minute with a composed finish, before substitute Chérif Ndiaye sealed the result in the final minute of normal time.

Botswana, who have never won a match at AfCON, offered little attacking threat and will need a marked improvement when they face Benin in Rabat on Saturday.

The win sends Senegal top of Group D on goal difference ahead of DR Congo, whom they will face in Tangier later the same day.

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