Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey with a strong 3-0 win over Botswana in Group D in Tangier. The game was mainly driven by Nicolas Jackson's first double in competitive international football.
Image/Senegal IG
Senegal started aggressively and had several early chances.
In the fourth minute, Botswana's goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko made a great save to stop Jackson, and Pape Gueye hit the bar with a shot.
Just a minute later, Phoko saved again, this time blocking a close-range header from Sadio Mané.
By the 15th minute, Botswana was struggling as Phoko made another top-class save to keep out Iliman Ndiaye.
As heavy rain fell, Senegal kept pressing, with Jackson missing a close-range volley and Phoko saving again from Ismaïla Sarr.
With half-time approaching, Botswana's defense finally cracked.
Ismail Jakobs found Jackson unmarked inside the box, and he calmly scored from eight yards out in the 40th minute to give Senegal the lead.
The Lions of Teranga clearly deserved to be ahead at halftime, though Botswana showed resilience.
However, Jackson, who had scored a brace against Kenya just last month, continued to shine.
Before the hour mark, he received a pass from Sarr and scored again, making it 2-0.
At this point, the 2021 AFCON champions were overwhelming the team ranked lowest in the tournament.
Botswana's goalkeeper Phoko was brilliant, saving Mané's chance in the 65th minute.
With 25 minutes left, Jackson had a great chance to make it a hat-trick but missed from eight yards after a clever move.
In the final moments of the game, Cherif Ndiaye scored after a good pass from Cheikh Sabaly to wrap up the 3-0 victory.
Senegal now have three points in Group D, joining DR Congo, and will face DR Congo next on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Botswana are still looking for their first-ever AFCON win and will next face Benin.
A loss could see them leave early.