Senegal opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in style, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Botswana in Group D, while DR Congo narrowly edged past Benin 1-0 in their own opener.
For Senegal, Nicolas Jackson was the star of the show, scoring twice to secure a commanding win. The Bayern Munich forward opened the scoring in the 40th minute, calmly converting a low cross from Ismail Jakobs after Botswana had held firm for much of the first half.
Jackson then doubled the lead just before the hour mark, finishing a clever pass from Ismaïla Sarr with quick-footed precision. Cherif Ndiaye capped the scoring late in the game, adding the third goal as Senegal repeatedly pressured the Botswana defence, registering 28 attempts on target.
Meanwhile, DR Congo also started their Group D campaign with a win, though in a tighter contest against Benin at Al Medina Stadium. Théo Bongonda put the Leopards ahead in the 16th minute, volleying a long pass past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé. DR Congo appeared to have extended their lead early in the second half when Cédric Bakambu headed in a cross from Nathanaël Mbuku, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Bakambu later missed a clear breakaway chance, with his shot deflected for a corner. Benin pressed for an equaliser late in the match, but Aiyegun Tosin was denied by DR Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, ensuring the 1-0 win for Sebastien Desabre’s side.
Both victories set the tone for a competitive Group D, with Senegal and DR Congo starting strong as they aim to advance to the knockout stages.
