Jackson scores two goals as Senegal defeat Botswana at AFCON

Senegal defeated Botswana 3-0 on Tuesday in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the back of a brace led by Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson.

Jackson, who is currently out on loan at Chelsea’s Bundesliga giants, scored either side of half-time in Tangier, with Cherif Ndiaye completing the scoring late.

Senegal moved ahead of Benin, who defeated Benin 1-0 in Rabat earlier, in Group D on goal difference.

Given that Senegal is 119 places above Botswana in the world rankings, the outcome of both teams’ first match of the tournament was predictable.

Former champions Senegal and DRC are expected to finish in the top two spots and advance to round 16 of 16.

Botswana and Benin will see their Saturday encounter as a must-win affair, giving eventual winners a chance to fill one of the four knockout spots reserved for third-placed teams.

The 75, 000-seat stadium, which is the biggest by number of the nine being used for the tournament in Morocco, was met with torrential rain as the teams poured onto the pitch.

In a one-on-one situation, Senegal had a great opportunity to open the scoring within three minutes, but Jackson mishandled a shot.

The Teranga Lions held on in full force while the Zebras held on in full force, but two-time African Player of the Year Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jackson all came close to breaking the deadlock.

Botswana’s chance of a waste

While Edouard Mendy, a former Chelsea goalkeeper, and Senegal were merely a spectator, Phoko kept the West Africans at bay with his hands, feet, and legs constantly in motion.

However, one of the title favorites, Germany-born Ismail Jakobs and German-based Jackson, who had been a part of the pressure for an endless period of time, came out in style in 40 minutes.

Jakobs immediately reacts by pulling the ball in from Jackson’s left hand and directing it wide of Phoko’s net with his left foot.

At the conclusion of the opening half, Botswana finally threatened to score in added time despite having qualified at the expense of Cape Verde, who qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

However, they did not use a free kick that was just outside the area. A corner was overhit and a deflected shot went beyond the far post without being touched.

After 58 minutes, Jackson doubled the lead thanks to a flowing move from midfield and quick, precise passing.

The 24-year-old rounded Mosha Gaolaolwe and headed home when the ball was being worked to him in the box.

With his smart finish in the 90th minute at the conclusion of another excellent team move, Cherif Ndiaye put the finishing touch on the Senegalese crown.

Midway through the second half, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw introduced 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain, who was confident his team were cruising to victory.