Jackson’s Double Stuns Morena’s Botswana In AFCON Opener

Nicolas Jackson’s brace and Cherif Ndiaye’s late goal sealed a convincing 3-0 victory for Senegal over Botswana in their Africa Cup of Nations opener at Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier on Tuesday afternoon.

This was Morena Ramoreboli’s first game for Botswana in the AFCON since he joined the team as the permanent head coach earlier this year, though he had been serving as interim coach since late 2024, leading the Zebras to qualification for the AFCON.

Notably, the former Jwaneng Galaxy mentor started the game with the former Kaizer Chiefs defender, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who was leading the Zebras as the captain.

It was expected for the Zebras to lose, as Senegal was seen as heavily favoured by many since they won this tournament in the 2021 edition, while the Zebras were returning to the AFCON after a 13-year absence, and they had yet to find a victory in this tournament.

The match got off to a rocky start for the Zebras. For the first 20 minutes, Senegal dominated the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities that tested the Zebras’ defense.

Jackson, Sadio Mané, and Iliman Ndiaye threatened to break the deadlock, but goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko pulled off three impressive saves, keeping the Zebras in the game.

As the match progressed, Senegal’s pressure continued to mount. In the 32nd minute, Mané’s long-range shot pushed Phoko to make another spectacular save, denying Senegal the opening goal and keeping the scoreline at 0-0.

However, Senegal’s persistence eventually paid off. In the 40th minute, Jackson scored a well-taken goal with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, giving Senegal a 1-0 lead. The first half ended with Senegal in control, heading into the break with a one-goal advantage.

In the second half, Senegal maintained the momentum they had built up in the first half, continuing to press Botswana and creating scoring opportunities.

Their dominance was evident in the opening 20 minutes, and it paid off when Jackson scored his second goal of the game in the 58th minute.

Jackson’s clinical finish with a left-footed shot from the center of the box extended Senegal’s lead to 2-0, completing his brace.

Despite the two-goal cushion, Senegal continued to push for more, with Jackson having another chance to score in the 75th minute.

However, his left-footed shot from the center of the box was well saved by Botswana goalkeeper Phoko. Just three minutes later, Phoko made another crucial save, denying Mané’s impressive shot, which had been headed towards the top center of the goalpost.

As the game entered its final minutes, Senegal continued to apply pressure, and the Lions of Teranga got a third goal through Cherif Ndiaye.

In the end, Senegal emerged victorious, winning 3-0, with Jackson’s brace proving decisive.

With this victory, Senegal now tops Group D with three points, level with DR Congo, who earlier in the day secured a 1-0 win over Benin. Meanwhile, Botswana finds itself at the bottom of the table without any points.

The Lions of Teranga will look to maintain their momentum when they face DR Congo in a crucial top-of-the-table clash on Saturday. On the same day, Botswana will be eager to bounce back as they take on Benin, with both teams desperate to secure their first win of the tournament.