Senegal and Nigeria Launch Africa Cup of Nations Efforts with Victories
Nicolas Jackson netted a brace as the highly tipped Senegal kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations challenge with a solid 3-0 triumph against Botswana on Tuesday, whereas Nigerias Super Eagles struggled somewhat in their initial fixture versus Tanzania prior to securing a 2-1 success.
In other results, victories also came for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia as the opening round of group games progressed in Morocco, frequently amid heavy downpours.
Senegal, the 2022 title holders, might pose the greatest challenge to Moroccos bid for glory on home territory, and the Lions of Teranga breezed past Botswana in their Group D curtain-raiser in Tangier.
Jackson, presently loaned to Bayern Munich from Chelsea, found the net on each side of the interval, with Cherif Ndiaye adding the final touch towards the end.
This result came as no surprise in the tournaments opening clash for each side, given Senegals ranking towers 119 spots above Botswanas in the global list.
Torrential rain welcomed the players as they stepped onto the field at the 75,000 capacity venue, the largest among the nine hosting sites across Morocco for the event.
Two time African footballer of the year Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jackson each nearly opened the scoring for Senegal before the breakthrough came at the 40 minute mark.
Germany born Ismail Jakobs and the Germany stationed Jackson linked up for the strike, the former drifting inside from the flank and laying off for the latter to convert.
A smooth sequence from the centre with sharp, precise passes then positioned Jackson to extend the advantage shortly before the hour, and Cherif Ndiaye sealed the deal for Senegal via a clever finish following yet another polished collective effort.
"The squad fulfilled their duties. We understand the significance of a strong opening in such competitions," remarked Senegal manager Pape Thiaw.
"One could observe the teams strong desire for the win. They performed exceptionally."
Senegal share the summit of the group on three points with DR Congo, who narrowly defeated Benin 1-0 at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.
Theo Bongonda from Spartak Moscow capitalised to grab the decisive goal on 16 minutes after the Benin backline mishandled a lofted pass, although a Cedric Bakambu attempt got disallowed for offside soon into the second period.
Tunisia ease through
"That proved a tough encounter. I lacked much knowledge on Benin, yet they form a solid outfit," noted Bongonda.
DR Congo reached the semi finals in the previous Cup of Nations and now eye a spot in the 2026 World Cup, achievable via a play off versus New Caledonia or Jamaica come March.
Senegal overtook the Leopards to lead their World Cup qualification section, and the sides will revive their contest in Tangier this Saturday, while Benin and Botswana seek their initial points in a matchup that same day.
Nigeria arrived in Morocco with intentions to atone for missing World Cup qualification, and the 2024 AFCON finalists began with a win in Fes despite squandering chances upfront.
Leading forward Victor Osimhen numbered among the offenders, missing a potential hat trick through poor accuracy though he did not score.
Akor Adams struck the bar before defender Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock for the three time continental winners near the end of the opening half by heading home Alex Iwobis delivery.
Charles MMombwa equalised shortly past the break for underdogs Tanzania, yet they failed to press on and secure a maiden AFCON victory.
Rather, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African footballer of the year, responded to protect Nigerias lead with a powerful effort from the edges of the area that made it 2-1.
Nigerias subsequent Group C fixture comes on Saturday versus Tunisia, who lead the pool following a comfortable 3-1 defeat of Uganda at Rabat Olympic Stadium.
Elias Achouri of FC Copenhagen shone brightest by bagging a pair of goals around the interval for the 2004 winners. Ellyes Skhiri had provided an initial advantage, while Denis Omedi grabbed a belated reply for Uganda.