On Tuesday, Senegal opened its Africa Cup of Nations quest with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Botswana, setting the tone for a title-hungry campaign.
Senegal’s Dominant Start
Senegal, the reigning champions from 2021 and a favorite in the current tournament, asserted their intent early. Nicolas Jackson found the net twice, while substitute Cherif Ndiaye added a late consolation goal. The Zebras’ victory gave them a comfortable lead in Group A and reinforced their status as title contenders.
Game Highlights
Jackson broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a clean finish to Ismail Jakobs’ swift cross. He followed up in the 58th minute, using both feet before guiding a ball from Ismaïla Sarr into the net. The second goal showcased Senegal’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces and quick transitions.
Jackson’s Performance
Despite limited opportunities at Bayern Munich since his summer switch from Chelsea, Jackson faced a challenging start. He missed several chances, including an early one-on-one where goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko secured a crucial save. Phoko also denied Sadio Mané after a powerful shot from Pape Gueye.
Substitution and Final Goal
In the 78th minute, Jackson was replaced by Cherif Ndiaye. The substitute wasted no time, scoring the third goal in the last minute of the match, sealing Senegal’s clean sheet and a 3-0 advantage.
Botswana’s Defensive Effort
Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko remained the busiest player on the pitch. He made two significant saves, thwarting Senegal’s attempts and preventing a higher score. Botswana lined up with five defenders and struggled to break through Senegal’s organized back line.
Weather and Attendance
The Grand Stade de Tanger, a 68,000-capacity venue that resembles a donut from the outside, saw just over 18,500 attendees. Heavy rainfall likely deterred neutral fans, contributing to the low turnout. The third day of the tournament has become the wettest and coldest Africa Cup to date.
Tournament Scheduling
The competition was initially slated for the summer but was postponed to avoid clashing with FIFA’s new Club World Cup. This change aimed to accommodate club commitments and ensure a smoother tournament flow.
Other Group Stage Results
An early goal from Théo Bongonda gave Congo a 1-0 win over Benin in Group D’s opening match. Nigeria, which lost the previous final to Ivory Coast, is set to begin its campaign later against Tanzania in Fez. Tunisia will face Uganda in Rabat for the second Group C encounter.
Key Takeaways
- Senegal starts the Africa Cup with a 3-0 victory, led by Nicolas Jackson’s two goals.
- Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko made two critical saves, keeping Senegal’s scoreline unchanged.
- Heavy rain and low attendance marked the tournament’s third day, making it the wettest and coldest to date.
The match underscored Senegal’s defensive solidity and attacking prowess, while the weather conditions added an extra layer of challenge for all teams involved.
