Senegal 3-0 Botswana: Report, result and goals as Jackson stars

Senegal opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Botswana, with Nicolas Jackson twice on the scoresheet.

Senegal dominated possession from the opening exchanges, pinning Botswana deep and creating a steady stream of chances through Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.

The early pressure told in the 40th minute when Jackson opened the scoring, finishing calmly from close range after being picked out by Ismail Jakobs.

Botswana struggled to relieve the pressure, although they defended in numbers and relied heavily on goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, who made several saves to keep the scoreline manageable before the interval. Senegal went into half-time with a deserved 1-0 lead.

Second-half goals seal the win

The pattern of the game remained the same after the restart, with Senegal patient in possession and Botswana unable to sustain attacks.

Jackson doubled the advantage in the 58th minute, timing his run well before finishing low into the corner after a cross from Sarr.

Substitutions allowed Senegal to maintain their intensity, and Cherif Ndiaye added a third late on, converting from the centre of the box after Cheikh Sabaly’s assist to cap off a dominant display.

Botswana threatened sporadically but failed to seriously test Edouard Mendy, while Senegal’s defensive structure remained largely untroubled.

The result gives Senegal a strong platform in the group stage and reflects their balance between experience and attacking variety.

Botswana showed moments of resilience but were ultimately outmatched across the pitch as Senegal eased to a convincing opening win.