By Ayomide Otitoju
Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles overcame Tanzania 2-1 in a more hard-fought Group C clash. Wins were also recorded by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia as the first round of group matches continued across Morocco, often under heavy rain.
Champions in 2022, Senegal were clear favourites against Botswana in their Group D opener in Tangier. Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson scored either side of halftime, with Cherif Ndiaye adding a late third to complete the win. The goal came after a flowing move combining Germany-based Jackson and Ismail Jakobs, with Jackson doubling the lead just before the hour. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised his team’s performance, saying, “The players did the job. We know how important it is to start well in a tournament.”
Senegal now share three points at the top of Group D with DR Congo, who edged Benin 1-0 in Rabat. Spartak Moscow’s Theo Bongonda scored the lone goal in the 16th minute, while a second-half effort from Cedric Bakambu was ruled out for offside. DR Congo, semi-finalists at the last AFCON, will renew their rivalry with Senegal in Tangier on Saturday.
Nigeria, aiming to redeem themselves after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, began their Group C campaign with a narrow 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fes. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring with a header from Alex Iwobi’s cross late in the first half, but Tanzania’s Charles M’Mombwa equalised early in the second half. Nigeria regained the lead through Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Player of the Year, whose strike from outside the box secured the victory. Star striker Victor Osimhen missed several scoring opportunities, including a potential hat-trick. Nigeria faces Tunisia next on Saturday.
Tunisia also got off to a winning start in Group C, defeating Uganda 3-1 at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. Elias Achouri starred with two goals either side of halftime, while Ellyes Skhiri had given Tunisia an early lead. Denis Omedi scored a late consolation for Uganda, but the Carthage Eagles maintained top spot in the group ahead of their clash with Nigeria.
