Africa Cup Of Nations 2025 | Tuesday December 23 | Group D
- Senegal 3-0 Botswana
- DR Congo 1-0 Benin
In Tangier, Nicolas Jackson set the tone for Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a classy double on Tuesday evening, firing the champions to a comfortable 3–0 win over Botswana as Group D got underway.
In Rabat, the Democratic Republic of Congo kept pace, digging deep to claim a 1–0 victory over Benin.
Jackson sparks Senegal’s strong start
Senegal were made to work in Tangier by a disciplined Botswana side, but their patience paid off shortly before the break.
Five minutes from half time, Jackson timed his run to perfection to meet Ismail Jakobs’ low cross and break the deadlock.
The Chelsea forward on loan at Bayern Munich struck again just before the hour, controlling Ismaila Sarr’s pass with quick feet before finishing from close range.
That second goal drained the fight from Botswana and opened the floodgates.
Senegal continued to pour forward, piling on the pressure with chance after chance. The third arrived late when Cherif Ndiaye finished off another flowing move, capping a dominant display that produced 28 shots on goal.
Winners in 2021 and tipped as contenders again, Senegal sit top of Group D on goal difference after the opening round.
DR Congo hold firm against Benin
Earlier in Rabat, DR Congo showed their grit with a hard earned 1–0 win over Benin at Stade El Barid.
They started brightly and nearly struck inside two minutes before taking the lead in the 16th.
Arthur Masuaku slipped Théo Bongonda through, and the winger drove a low finish into the bottom corner.
Benin responded well and pushed for an equaliser, with Doukou Dodo heading just wide and Hassane Imourane firing over before the break.
After half-time, Cedric Bakambu thought he had doubled Congo’s lead, only for the offside flag to intervene.
Late pressure from Benin tested the Congolese defence, but goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi Nzau remained assured, snuffing out every threat to seal the win.
Early tone set in Group D
With Senegal and DR Congo both opening with victories, Group D is already taking shape.
Their meeting on Saturday promises an early showdown that could decide the balance of power in the group.
