TANGIER, Morocco (AP) — Nicholas Jackson scores twice to open Senegal’s game. africa cup of nations They look to win the title with a 3-0 win over Botswana on Tuesday.
Substitute Sherif Ndiaye scored after Botswana goalkeeper Ngoitseone Phoko prevented the worst for the Zebras. The Zebras were lined up with five men at the back and were tucked in for most of the game.
Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition and once again one of the favorites, should have scored more against the team ranked 138th in the world, as the team’s fans in colorful costumes danced to the beat of the drums.
Supporters took up positions long before kick-off, undeterred even as organizers blasted pop tunes and advertisements into the nearly empty stadium.
Official attendance for the 68,000-capacity Grand Stade de Tanger, which looks like a doughnut from the outside, was just over 18,500. Heavy rain may have kept neutral fans away. The downpour continued into the third day of what is shaping up to be the wettest and coldest African Cup ever. The tournament was originally scheduled for the summer, but was postponed to avoid conflict with FIFA’s new Club World Cup competition.
Jackson has had limited appearances for Bayern Munich since joining from Chelsea and has missed many chances. The first goal came after an early one-on-one with Pape Gueye, who made another great save to deny Sadio Mane.
More chances were missed, but Jackson broke the deadlock in the 40th minute by easily converting a quick cross from Ismail Jacobs.
Botswana initially showed more attacking ambition after the break, which created more counter-attack opportunities for Teranga Lions, who quickly regained their former advantage.
Jackson stopped Ismaila Sarr’s cross, evaded a defender and slotted the ball in for his second goal in the 58th minute.
Despite Jackson’s growing frustration, Phoko remained the busiest Botswana player. Jackson replaced Ndiaye in the 78th minute and the substitute scored in the last minute.
Congo wins
An early goal from Theo Bongonda was enough for Congo to beat Benin 1-0 in the first leg of Group D.
Nigeria, who lost in the final to the previous hosts Ivory Coast, then opened the tournament against Tanzania (Taifa Stars) in the old “imperial city” of Fez.
Tunisia then faced Uganda in Rabat in the second match of Group C.
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Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
