Jackson’s brace powers Senegal to emphatic AFCON win over Botswana

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Senegal national football team began their 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations campaign in commanding fashion on Tuesday, cruising to a 3–0 victory over Botswana in a dominant Group D encounter.

Senegal asserted control from the opening minutes, dictating possession and pinning Botswana deep with sustained pressure.

Their dominance paid off in the 40th minute when Nicolas Jackson latched onto a precise pass from Ismail Jakobs inside the box and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to open the scoring.

The reigning African champions continued to dictate the tempo after the break and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. Jackson produced a moment of individual brilliance, driving into the penalty area before finishing clinically to leave Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko helpless.

Botswana struggled to cope with Senegal’s intensity, creativity and movement, spending long spells defending as the West Africans racked up wave after wave of attacks. Despite Phoko’s series of impressive saves that kept the scoreline respectable for much of the match, the pressure eventually told again late on.

In the 90th minute, Cheikh Sabaly turned provider, teeing up Cherif Ndiaye, who kept his composure to fire home Senegal’s third goal and cap a comprehensive performance.

Senegal’s superiority was reflected in the statistics, with the Lions of Teranga registering 28 shots on target to Botswana’s four, while also enjoying a commanding share of possession.

Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Krepin Diatta were constant threats, stretching the Botswana defence throughout the contest.

NB: 1XBET IS THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF AFCON 2025.