Nicolas Jackson has set his sights on scoring more goals at the Africa Cup of Nations after firing Senegal to a commanding 3–0 victory over Botswana in their group opener in Tangier on Tuesday.

The Bayern Munich forward struck once in each half as the former champions delivered a strong opening statement, underlining their title ambitions with a dominant performance.

Senegal controlled proceedings from the outset but was frustrated for long spells in the first half by an inspired display from Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.

The Zebras’ shot-stopper denied Jackson twice from close range, reacted sharply to keep out efforts from Sadio Mané, and produced another fine save to stop Iliman Ndiaye as the Lions of Teranga piled on the pressure.

The breakthrough finally came five minutes before the interval. Ismail Jakobs whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left, and Jackson met it first time, calmly guiding the ball home to give Senegal a deserved lead.

The pattern continued after the restart, with Senegal dictating the tempo and limiting Botswana’s chances.

Jackson doubled his tally in the 58th minute when Ismaila Sarr slipped a well-weighted pass into his path, and the striker showed great composure to finish clinically for his second goal of the night.

Senegal capped an emphatic display two minutes from time.

Jackson was the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.

“I am very happy to have started on this note by scoring two goals, and hopefully it is the start of many goals to come,” Jackson said. “Most importantly, we won the match and played well. It is an important victory, but now it is behind us, and we will focus on the next game.”

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