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35th AFCON: Senegal Sends Strong Message with 3–0 Win Over Botswana

Posted : 24 December 2025

Former African champions Senegal made a commanding statement at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations with a 3–0 triumph over Botswana on Tuesday, marking the largest victory of the tournament so far.

Facing the less-fancied Botswana Zebras, ranked 138th in the world and making only their second AFCON appearance, the Teranga Lions dominated the match despite Sadio Mané failing to score before being substituted.

The spotlight shifted to Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson, who became the first player to score a brace at AFCON 2025. Jackson opened the scoring in the 40th minute with an assist from Galatasaray defender Ismail Jakobs. He then doubled Senegal’s lead in the 58th minute, calmly finishing a precise pass from Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr. Senegal sealed their emphatic win in the 90th minute, as substitutes Chérif Ndiaye and Sebaly combined to make it 3–0.

Earlier in Group D, the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Benin in a tightly contested encounter. Theo Bongonda scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered cross from Sunderland defender Arthur Masuaku.

Although Benin, ranked 92nd globally, dominated possession with 62 percent and had more shots on goal, the 1968 champions relied on their physicality and defensive organisation to preserve the lead. Both teams finished with three yellow cards each in a fiercely competitive match.

Group D action resumes on Saturday, 27th December, with Benin taking on Botswana at 13:30 hours, followed by a high-stakes clash between Senegal and DR Congo at 16:00 hours.

Elsewhere in the tournament, attention turns to Group C, where Nigeria will face Tanzania in their opening match in Fez at 18:30 hours, followed by Tunisia versus Uganda at 21:00 hours. In Group E, Burkina Faso will play Equatorial Guinea at 13:30 hours, while Algeria takes on Sudan at 16:00 hours. Group F features hosts Ivory Coast against Mozambique at 18:30 hours, followed by Cameroon versus Gabon at 21:00 hours.

 

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