Senegal made a perfect start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with an easy 3-0 win over Botswana in Group D in Tangier. Nicolas Jackson scored twice in his first competitive international match, which helped Senegal control the game from start to finish.
Senegal began strongly and created chances almost straight away. Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko made several good saves early on, stopping shots from Jackson, Pape Gueye and Sadio Mané. Despite Botswana’s efforts, Senegal kept pressing and were clearly the better team.
In heavy rain, Senegal continued to attack. Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr both went close, but Phoko again kept Botswana in the game. Just before half-time, Senegal finally scored. Ismail Jakobs crossed the ball to an unmarked Jackson, who calmly finished from close range in the 40th minute.
Senegal fully deserved their lead at the break, although Botswana had done well to limit the damage. However, they could not stop Jackson for long. Shortly before the hour mark, he scored his second goal after receiving a pass from Sarr and placing the ball past the goalkeeper.
Senegal dominated the rest of the match. Phoko made more fine saves to deny Mané, while Jackson missed a chance to complete his hat-trick. In the final minute, Cherif Ndiaye scored Senegal’s third goal after a good pass from Cheikh Sabaly.
The win puts Senegal on three points in Group D alongside DR Congo, who they will play next. Botswana are still looking for their first-ever AFCON win and will face Benin in their next match.
