Group D
Results
•DR Congo 1-0 Benin
•Senegal 3-0 Botswana
Table
- Senegal – 3pts
- DR Congo – 3
- Benin – 0
- Botswana – 0
Senegal made their arrival at 2025 AFCON known with a 3-0 dominant win over Botswana in Group D at Grande Stade de Tanger in Tangier.
Nicholas Jackson scored a brace before Cherif Ndiaye added the third in injury time to put an icing on the cake.
It could have been worse for Botswana, but goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko produced a series of outstanding saves, including denying Jackson in a one-on-one situation in opening exchanges.
The goal arrived five minutes before the interval when Ismail Jakobs delivered a precise cross from the left which Jackson met it first time with a composed finish.
Jackson doubled their advantage in the 58th minute, receiving from Ismaila Sarr before showing good composure to finish clinically.
Ndiaye, who replaced Jackson, converted a low cross from Cheikh Sabaly as the 2021 Winners ran riot.
Sadio Mane who, just like Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr played behind Jackson, failed to impact the game like the way he could have wanted, but will feel proud of the team’s performance.
The Lions of Teranga will face DR Congo on Saturday seeking to seal qualification to the round of 16 before facing Benin in the last group Game on December 30.
Senegal will hope for a better outing this time round after they were eliminated by hosts Ivory Coast at the round of 16 in 2023.