Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Botswana in a match played at Stade Ibn-Batouta on Tuesday 23rd December 2025, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The Lions of Teranga dominated from the outset and were rewarded in the 40th minute when Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock, calmly finishing from close range after a neat assist from Ismail Jakobs to give Senegal a 1–0 lead at the break.
Botswana showed brief spells of resistance early in the second half, but Senegal’s quality soon told. In the 58th minute, Jackson struck again, latching onto a delivery from Ismaïla Sarr and guiding a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner to double Senegal’s advantage.
With Botswana struggling to cope with sustained pressure, Senegal sealed the result late on. Substitute Chérif Ndiaye made an instant impact in the 90th minute, firing home from the centre of the box after being set up by Cheikh Sabaly to complete a convincing 3–0 win.
Senegal enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and chances throughout the match, repeatedly testing Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, who despite conceding three goals produced several fine saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
The result places Senegal in a strong position early in the group stage, while Botswana will need a response in their next fixture to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
