Nicolas Jackson spearheaded a commanding performance as Senegal opened their CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a clinical 3-0 victory over Botswana at the Tangier Stadium.

​In front of a massive crowd in the 75,000-seat arena, the Lions of Teranga asserted their dominance from the opening whistle.

However, for much of the first half, they were frustrated by the heroics of Botswana’s goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko.

Phoko produced a string of four world-class saves, notably denying Iliman Ndiaye and Sadio Mané to keep the Zebras in the contest.

​The pressure finally told in the second half when Senegal’s persistence was rewarded.

The breakthrough came through Nicolas Jackson, who showed composure to latch onto a cross from Ismail Jakobs and fire home a superb finish to break the deadlock.

The goal shifted the momentum entirely, visibly deflating a hardworking Botswana defense.

​Jackson wasn’t finished. Idrissa Gana Gueye pounced on a loose ball from Botswana and threaded a pass to Jackson, who doubled his tally.

The striker’s clinical edge proved to be the difference, as he calmly slotted the ball home to give Senegal a comfortable 2-0 lead.

​The victory was punctuated late in the match when Iliman Ndiaye finally got his name on the scoresheet.

The 3-0 result places them firmly at the top of their group as they look to reclaim their status as Kings of African football.