Sport|Africa Cup of NationsJackson scores two goals as Senegal defeat Botswana at AFCONTwo goals in 18 minutes from forward Nicolas Jackson set the tone for Senegal’s Group D win over Botswana at AFCON 2025.
## Senegal vs Botswana: AFCON 2025 Match Summary
Senegal vs Botswana: AFCON 2025 Match Summary
Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan from Chelsea to Bayern Munich, scored twice as Senegal secured a 3-0 victory over Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tue, Dec 23, 2025. Jackson's goals were complemented by a late score from Cherif Ndiaye in Tangier.
The win places Senegal at the top of Group D, leading on goal difference over the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), who earlier achieved a 1-0 victory against Benin in Rabat. Ranked significantly higher than Botswana, Senegal's victory was anticipated as they are positioned 119 places above Botswana in global rankings.
Both Senegal and DRC, former AFCON champions, are projected to advance to the round of 16. Meanwhile, the upcoming match between Benin and Botswana is pivotal, as the victor may secure a position in the knockout stage reserved for the top four third-placed teams.
The match commenced under heavy rain at Morocco's largest stadium, accommodating 75,000 spectators. Early in the game, Senegal missed a scoring opportunity when Botswana's goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko, blocked a shot from Jackson. Despite several attempts from Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jackson, Senegal struggled to break Botswana's defense initially.
Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan from Chelsea to Bayern Munich, scored twice as Senegal secured a 3-0 victory over Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tue, Dec 23, 2025.
Jackson eventually scored in the 40th minute, assisted by Ismail Jakobs, who delivered a precise pass from the left. Botswana, despite a late first-half effort, failed to capitalize on their scoring chance.
Senegal extended their lead in the 58th minute when Jackson scored again after a well-coordinated midfield play. Cherif Ndiaye finalized the score with a goal in the 90th minute, concluding a successful team effort.
During the second half, Senegal introduced Ibrahim Mbaye, a 17-year-old from Paris Saint-Germain, marking his participation in a comfortable victory.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
