Senegal clinched a 3-0 win over Botswana in their opening African Cup of Nations fixture at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Tuesday.
Sadio Mane looked sharp in the game, recording the most shots on target (six) – the most at the tournament since 2010 – but he failed to get on the scoresheet.
Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson stole the show, scoring twice to become the first player to bag a brace in the tournament.
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.
Sarr was also thwarted by the impressive Botswana goalkeeper, who showed remarkable reflexes to keep his effort out.
Cherif Ndiaye calmly scored late in the game to seal the victory for Senegal.
