May 11, 2026

Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson Shines as Senegal Beat Botswana 3–0 in AFCON Opener

By Adamu Abubakar Isa

Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a solid 3-0 win over Botswana, with Nicolas Jackson scoring twice.

From the start, Senegal controlled the game, keeping Botswana under pressure and creating chances through Sadio Mane, Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr. Jackson opened the scoring in the 40th minute after a nice pass from Ismail Jakobs. Botswana’s goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko, made some good saves, but Senegal went into half-time with a deserved 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Senegal continued to dominate. Jackson scored again in the 58th minute after a cross from Sarr. Later, Cherif Ndiaye added a third goal from a pass by Cheikh Sabaly to finish the game strongly. Botswana had a few attacks but couldn’t seriously trouble Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.

The win gives Senegal a strong start in the group stage and places them on top of Group D.

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