Jackson at the double as Senegal cruise past Botswana | OneFootball

Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Botswana.

The Lions of Teranga are one of the favourites for the tournament and were always expected to defeat Botswana. That was reflected on the pitch with Senegal enjoying dominance over their opponents.

The only surprise is it took until the 40th minute for Senegal to take the lead when a well-worked passing sequence saw Ismail Jakobs put one on a plate for Nicolas Jackson to finish.

The Bayern Munich striker, on loan from Chelsea, doubled his team's advantage with just under an hour gone in the game. This time Jackson showed some excellent footwork to evade the defenders as he received the ball just a few yards from goal – the finish of course came naturally.

A two-goal lead flattered Botswana and a third goal arrived in the final minute of the game. This time it was Cheikh Sabaly who played a square ball for fellow substitute Cherif Ndiaye to tap home.

That result sees Senegal top Group D after the opening round of games ahead of a big clash with DR Congo while Botswana look to bounce back against Benin.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

4':

Missed opportunity! Pape Gueye from Senegal took a left-footed shot from the middle of the box, but it went over the crossbar. The chance was set up by Iliman Ndiaye during a quick counterattack.

12':

Missed opportunity! Omaatla Kebatho from Botswana took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. Mothusi Johnson provided the assist.

15':

Missed opportunity! Kalidou Koulibaly from Senegal headed the ball from the center of the box, but it sailed over the bar. The chance was set up by Krépin Diatta, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

22':

Missed opportunity! Nicolas Jackson from Senegal took a right-footed shot from just a short distance but couldn't find the target.

30':

Missed opportunity! Ismaïla Sarr from Senegal took a left-footed shot from the center of the box after a set piece, but it didn't hit the target.

Senegal takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Botswana. Nicolas Jackson scores with a left-footed strike from the middle of the penalty area.

40':

GOAL Senegal: Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) scores!

Nicolas Jackson scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

45 +3':

Missed opportunity. Mosha Gaolaolwe from Botswana attempted a header from a challenging position on the left side but sent it wide to the left. The chance was set up by Mothusi Johnson, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

Senegal leads 2-0 against Botswana. Nicolas Jackson scores with a left-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

58':

GOAL Senegal: Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) scores!

Nicolas Jackson scores goal number 2 in the competition (1 matches)

60':

Missed opportunity! Lebogang Ditsele from Botswana took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide.

75':

Missed opportunity! Nicolas Jackson from Senegal took a left-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

84':

Missed opportunity. Ibrahim Mbaye from Senegal took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area.

Senegal leads Botswana 3-0. Cherif Ndiaye scores with a right-footed shot from inside the penalty area.

90':

GOAL Senegal: Cherif Ndiaye (Senegal) scores!

Cherif Ndiaye scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match