AFCON 2025: Nicolas Jackson scores tournament's first brace in Senegal win over Botswana

Nicolas Jackson announced himself at AFCON 2025 with the tournament’s first brace, firing Senegal to a commanding 3–0 victory over Botswana in Tangier.

The defending African champions were in control from the start, using their power and pace in attack to pin Botswana deep inside their own half.

Jackson finally broke Botswana’s resistance five minutes before the break, timing his run perfectly to meet Ismail Jakobs’ measured cross from the left with a precise first‑time finish. The Chelsea forward, who had already seen chances denied by goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, looked sharp and hungry throughout the opening period.

After the interval, Senegal kept pressing and Jackson doubled his tally in the 58th minute, calmly slotting home after being picked out by Ismaila Sarr to complete his brace and effectively settle the contest. Late on, substitute Cherif Ndiaye added a third with a sweeping strike from a Cheikh Sabaly cross, putting the seal on a perfect night for the Lions of Teranga.

Jackson’s two goals not only gave Senegal the ideal start to their campaign, but also placed him early in the race for the AFCON 2025 golden boot.