Mane breaks AFCON record as Jackson’s heroics seal Senegal 3-0 win over Botswana | OneFootball

Senegal clinched a 3-0 win over Botswana in their opening African Cup of Nations fixture at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Tuesday afternoon.

Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane looked sharp in the game, recording the most shots on target (six) — the most at AFCON since 2010 — but could not get on the scoresheet.

Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson stole the show, scoring twice to become the first player to net a brace in the tournament so far.

Senegal entered the game as favourites and nearly opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute, when Goitseone Phoko thwarted Jackson’s effort.

The 31-year-old pulled off another remarkable save in the 15th minute, denying Iliman Ndiaye from giving the Teranga Lions the lead.

Jackson was presented with another chance to beat the Botswana goalkeeper, getting on the end of Ndiaye’s cross, but he could not hit the target.

Phoko was finally beaten by Jackson in the 40th minute, smashing a shot into the net from inside the area.

The second half started with no clear-cut chances from both sides until Jackson made it 2-0 in the 58th minute, combining with Sarr before picking out the bottom corner.

Senegal were hungry for more, and Mane missed a good opportunity to add to their tally after the hour mark, as he was denied yet again by Phoko.

Three minutes later, Sarr was also denied by the impressive Botswana goalkeeper, who showed a remarkable reflex to keep out the effort of the Crystal Palace forward.

On the stroke of full-time, Cheikh Sabaly teed up Cherif Ndiaye, and the Samsunspor forward showed his calmness to put the ball home, sealing the victory for Senegal.