Senegal began their 2025 African Cup of Nations campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Botswana in their group D clash on Tuesday, SportPremi Reports.
Nicolas Jackson was the star of the match as he signaled his intent for the prestigious Golden boot award with a goal in each half to send the tournament favorites top of their group after a commanding performance at the Grand Stade de Tanger.
Second half substitute Cherif Ndiaye added a late third as the Lions of Teranga sent a statement to the rest of the continent with their brilliant showing.
Senegal are top of group D with a better goal difference than DR Congo, who defeated Benin Republic earlier in the day.
First half: Jackson strike puts dominant Senegal ahead
Senegal started the game on top and were denied an early goal after Goitseone Phoko denied Nicolas Jackson.
The Lions of Teranga continued their dominance with multiple attempts to find the breakthrough, but Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye were denied by the Botswana goalkeeper.
Phoko continued to be the difference in the clash denying Mane and Jackson once more, before he was finally beaten in the 40th minute by the latter.
The Bayern Munich forward broke the deadlock after receiving a pass from Ismail Jakobs.
Second half: Jackson doubles tally, Ndiaye adds late third for Senegal
Senegal continued from where they left off in the first half and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute as Jackson grabbed his second of the game.
The forward controlled a pass from Ismaila Sarr onto his left foot and put the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Senegal continued their dominance and had several other chances to add to the scoreline, but Phoko made superb stops to deny efforts from Mane, Sarr and Jackson.
Two substitutes then combined late in the game as Cheikh Sabaly teed up Cherif Ndiaye, who added gloss on the victory.
The game ended 3-0 in favor of Senegal, while Botswana will have their goalkeeper to thank for preventing a heavy defeat.
Players Ratings
Senegal Players Ratings:
- Mendy – 6.9
- Diatta – 8.1
- Koulibaly – 7.8
- Niakhate – 6.9
- Jakobs – 8.0
- I. Gueye – 8.4
- P. Gueye – 7.1
- I. Sarr – 8.0
- Ndiaye – 7.3
- Mane – 7.9
- Jackson – 9.2
Substitutes
- Camara – 6.8
- Mbaye – 6.1
- Ciss – 6.5
- Ndiaye – 7.2
- Sabaly – 6.5
Botswana Players Ratings:
- Phoko – 8.5
- Johnson – 6.3
- Ditlhokwe – 5.8
- Gaolaolwe – 5.7
- Velaphi – 5.5
- Ditsele – 5.7
- Seakanyeng – 6.3
- Mohutsiwa – 6.5
- Cooper – 6.3
- Orebonye – 5.5
- Kebatho – 6.6
Substitutes
- Sesiny – 6.1
- Maponda – 5.3
- Modingwane – 6.0
- Kgamanyane – 5.8
Man of the match
Nicolas Jackson (9.2/10) – The Bayern Munich forward underlined his status as one of Africa’s best strikers with a brace to guide Senegal to a commanding opening victory.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Senegal 68% – 32% Botswana
Total Shots: Senegal 28 – 4 Botswana
Shots on target: Senegal 17 – 0 Botswana
Pass Accuracy: Senegal 91% – 76% Botswana
Corners: Senegal 7 – 2 Botswana
What Next?
Senegal will hope to book their spot in the next round when they clash against DR Congo in their second group match next Saturday.
Botswana, on the other hand, face Benin Republic on the same day, hoping to open their account for the tournament.
