Nicolas Jackson delivered a brilliant performance as Senegal opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Botswana in Tangier, earning the man of the match award.
The Lions of Teranga were dominant from the first whistle, immediately pinning Botswana back and creating waves of chances.
Jackson finally made the breakthrough five minutes before half-time, arriving perfectly to meet a precise cross from Ismail Jakobs and steering in a first-time finish that settled Senegal’s nerves. Before that, Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko had repeatedly frustrated the Senegalese attack, pulling off key saves to deny Jackson and Sadio Mane.
After the break, Jackson kept tormenting the defense and doubled his tally in the 58th minute, this time finishing calmly from an Ismaila Sarr pass to put Senegal fully in control. He left the pitch to warm applause in the 78th minute, with Cherif Ndiaye coming on to add a third goal in stoppage time from a Cheikh Sabaly cross.
Jackson’s sharp movement, clinical finishing and constant threat in behind fully justified his man of the match recognition and underlined Senegal’s status as one of the strong contenders for the AFCON 2025 title.
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