Senegal make a winning start as the Leopards get the job done against Benin

TANGIER, Morocco 

Nicholas Jackson scored a goal in either half as former champions Senegal started their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 campaign with a thumping 3-0 victory over Botswana in Tangier on Tuesday evening.

The Lions of Teranga were totally dominant over Botswana, picking a statement victory that hands them a confident start as they seek to fight back for the title they lost to Côte d'Ivoire in 2023.

Jackson broke the deadlock five minutes to halftime with a brilliant first-time finish, picking up Ismail Jakobs’ well taken cross from the left. It was a calming goal for Senegal, who had dominated possession and had a myriad of scoring opportunities.

Botswana keeper Goitseone Phoko had a brilliant vstart in the opening 40 minutes, making brilliant saves to deny Jackson twice, Sadio Mane twice and Ilman Ndiaye once as the Senegalese bayed for blood from early on.

The former champions were as dominant in the second half and Jackson completed his brace in the 58th minute, doing well to finish off an Ismaila Sarr pass. 

At the stroke of 90 minutes, it was job over for Senegal as Cherif Ndiaye, who had replaced Jackson in the 78th minute, put the icing on the cake with a nice sweeping finish off a Cheikh Sabaly cross from the right.

Meanwhile, Théo Bongonda’s first-half goal gave the Democratic Republic of Congo a winning start to their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign, as the Leopards edged Benin 1-0 at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

Coming into the tournament with confidence following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, DR Congo quickly asserted themselves and looked sharp from the opening exchanges.

Their early dominance was rewarded in the 16th minute when Bongonda capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding to slot calmly past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé and open the scoring.

The Leopards continued to press after taking the lead, moving the ball with purpose and stretching a Benin side missing five suspended regular starters.

Cédric Bakambu came close to doubling the advantage, forcing Allagbé into a strong one-on-one save, while another effort was ruled out for offside as DR Congo threatened to pull clear.

Benin, however, refused to fold. The Cheetahs sought to respond through quick counter-attacks and set-piece situations, attempting to disrupt the rhythm of their opponents. 

Despite their effort and organisation, they found clear chances hard to come by against a disciplined Congolese back line that dealt comfortably with aerial deliveries and second balls.

Benin pushed forward in the closing stages, showing determination and intent, but lacked the cutting edge needed to break through. 

DR Congo, by contrast, defended resolutely and saw out the match with maturity, ensuring a clean sheet and maximum points.