By our man in Morocco
TANGIER, MOROCCO — On a night where the heavens opened over the Moroccan coast, the Grand Stade de Tanger—affectionately known for its distinctive “doughnut” silhouette—witnessed a clinical masterclass from the Teranga Lions.
Senegal commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over a resilient but outmatched Botswana.
A Venue of Modern Grandeur
The Grand Stade de Tanger (or Stade Ibn Batouta), with its 68,000-seat capacity and sleek architectural curves, provided a dramatic backdrop for the Group D opener.
Despite the heavy rainfall that has characterized the start of this winter tournament, the stadium’s world-class turf held firm, allowing Senegal’s intricate passing game to flourish.
While the weather may have kept the local neutral crowds at bay, the 18,500 in attendance—largely made up of vibrant, drum-beating Senegalese supporters—filled the cavernous arena with a rhythmic energy that defied the chill
The match belonged to Nicolas Jackson. The striker, currently plying his trade at Bayern Munich, silenced early critics by netting a brace. His first came in the 40th minute, a tidy finish from an Ismail Jakobs cross that finally broke Botswana’s stubborn low block.
Jackson doubled his tally in the 58th minute, showcasing the footwork that made him a household name in West London before his move to the Bundesliga.
He danced through the Zebras’ defense after a clever ball from Ismaïla Sarr to slot home, effectively ending the contest as a spectacle.
The Final Flourish
Botswana, making only their second-ever AFCON appearance, fought valiantly under the lights of the Tanger skyline.
However, the gulf in quality was evident. As the clock hit the 90-minute mark, substitute Cherif Ndiaye added the gloss to the scoreline, finishing a slick team move to make it 3-0.
For Senegal, the victory at the Ibn Batouta is more than just three points; it is a statement of intent delivered in one of Africa’s most prestigious modern sporting cathedrals.
For Botswana, the journey continues, but they will leave the coast of Tangier knowing they have faced the very best the continent has to offer.
