Forward Nicholas Jackson scored two goals in 18 minutes to seal Senegal’s Group D victory over Botswana at AFCON 2025.
Published December 23, 2025
Bayern Munich striker Nicholas Jackson scored twice as Senegal beat Botswana 3-0 in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday.
Jackson, who is on loan at the Bundesliga giants from Chelsea, scored on either side of half-time at Tangier, with Cherif Ndiaye scoring in the second half.
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With the win, Senegal moved to the top of Group D on goal difference, ahead of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who earlier defeated Benin 1-0 in Rabat.
Senegal are 119th above Botswana in the world rankings, so it was an expected result for both teams in their first match of the tournament.
Senegal and Democratic Republic of Congo are both former champions and are expected to occupy the top two spots and qualify for the Round of 16.
Benin and Botswana view Saturday’s clash as a must-win match, giving the team that wins a chance to fill one of the four knockout spots given to the third-placed team.
Heavy rain greeted the teams as they took to the pitch at the 75,000-seat stadium, which will have the largest capacity of the nine stadiums used in Morocco for this tournament.
Senegal had a great chance to take the lead within three minutes in a one-on-one situation, but Jackson’s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Goiccione Foco.
While Teranga Lions had overwhelming possession, Zebras defended thoroughly and two-time African Player of the Year Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye and Jackson came close to breaking the deadlock.
Botswana wastes an opportunity
Senegalese and former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was just a spectator, but Foco was always on the move, using his hands, feet and legs to keep the West African at bay.
However, Senegal’s endless pressure finally paid off as German-born Ismail Jacobs and Germany-based Jackson combined to put one of the favorites ahead in the 40th minute.
Jacobs cut in from the left and pulled the ball back to Jackson, who reacted immediately, using his left foot to sweep the ball past Foco and into the net.
Botswana, who had qualified for the 2026 World Cup despite shocking Cape Verde, finally faced a crisis in stoppage time just before the end of the first half.
However, they were unable to take advantage of the free kick outside the area. A weak shot was deflected into the corner, overhit and sent out of play past the far post without being touched.
With fluid movement from midfield and quick passing, Jackson extended the lead to two points after 58 minutes.
The ball was played to him in the box and the 24-year-old rounded Mosha Gaolaoluwe and smashed it into the goal.
Cherif Ndiaye gave Senegal victory in the 90th minute with a smart finish at the end of a great team move.
Senegal coach Pape Thiau was confident that his team was on track for victory, and brought on 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye from European champions Paris Saint-Germain midway through the second half.
The teenage striker became Senegal’s youngest international scorer last month when he scored in an 8-0 win over Kenya in an AFCON warm-up match.
