AFCON 2025: Senegal Cruise Past Botswana in Dominant Group D Opener
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Senegal announced their intentions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Botswana in their Group D opening fixture on Tuesday in Tangier, Morocco.
The former African champions were in complete control from start to finish, with forward Nicolas Jackson scoring twice to underline Senegal’s dominance and justify their status as group favourites. Substitute Chérif Ndiaye added a late third goal to cap a commanding performance by the Lions of Teranga.
Despite the convincing scoreline,
Botswana were spared further embarrassment thanks to an outstanding display from goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, who produced a string of impressive saves to keep the Zebras in contention for long periods. Phoko’s quick reflexes frustrated the Senegalese attackers, particularly in the opening half, as waves of pressure rained down on the Botswana defence.
However, the breakthrough eventually came in the 40th minute. Senegal’s attacking left-back Ismail Jakobs surged forward down the flank and delivered a low, inviting cross into the box. Jackson reacted sharply, guiding a precise finish past the helpless Phoko to give Senegal a deserved lead before the break.
The West Africans picked up exactly where they left off after halftime, maintaining their tempo and territorial dominance. Any lingering hopes of a Botswana comeback were extinguished just before the hour mark when Jackson struck again.
A swift counter-attack saw Ismaïla Sarr exploit space on the right wing before squaring the ball into the penalty area, where Jackson calmly finished from close range to double Senegal’s advantage.
Senegal continued to push forward in search of more goals and were rewarded late in the game. Substitute Cheikh Sabaly delivered a low cross from the right, which fellow substitute Chérif Ndiaye met expertly to complete the scoring and seal a comfortable win.
The victory places Senegal in a strong position early in Group D.
They will next face DR Congo, who also began their campaign with a win against Benin, in a highly anticipated clash on Saturday. Meanwhile, Botswana will look to bounce back and secure their first points of the tournament when they take on Benin on the same day.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
