Senegal and DR Congo make winning starts
Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Senegal got their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 3-0 Group D victory over Botswana in Tangier.
Jackson converted Ismail Jakobs’ low cross to give his side the lead after 40 minutes as they broke the resistance of a stubborn Botswana. The Bayern Munich striker then showed quick feet from Ismaïla Sarr’s pass to finish from close range just before the hour mark.
Senegal, who won the Cup of Nations title in 2021 and are among the favourites again, overwhelmed their opponents with waves of attacks and added a third late on from Cherif Ndiaye, one of 28 efforts on the Botswana goal.
Earlier, the Democratic Republic of Congo dominating their opening game against Benin but had to hold on for a 1-0 victory in Group D after missing a number of chances.
Théo Bongonda got the goal in the 16th minute, letting a long pass bounce before volleying past Saturnin Allagbé. DR Congo did have the ball in the net two minutes into the second half as Cédric Bakambu headed home Nathanaël Mbuku’s cross, but after a lengthy VAR check it was ruled offside.
Bakambu also had a breakaway opportunity but saw his effort deflected away for a corner. Benin spent most of the match defending, but after a late break Aiyegun Tosin was denied a dramatic equaliser by the DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Reuters
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Full time: Senegal 3-0 Botswana
A comfortable start for much-fancied Senegal. Nicolas Jackson scored a goal in each half before Cherif Ndiaye lovingly iced the cake.
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