Defending champions Senegal signalled their intent to retain the Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 3-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday, as fellow favourites Nigeria were made to sweat in a narrow 2-1 win against Tanzania.
Teranga Lions Roar in Rain-Soaked Opener
Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, looked every bit the tournament favourites despite torrential rain during their Group D clash. Nicolas Jackson, the Bayern Munich forward, was the star of the show, netting a first-half brace to put his side firmly in control.
Jackson, who has seen limited playing time since his summer move from Chelsea, could have scored even more. Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko made several excellent saves, including denying Sadio Mane, to keep the scoreline respectable for the 138th-ranked Zebras.
After Jackson opened the scoring in the 40th minute, he added a second just before the hour mark. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye completed the scoring in the final minute, wrapping up a comfortable start for the title holders.
Super Eagles Stutter to Nervy Win
In stark contrast, Nigeria's performance in their Group C opener in Fez will have given coach Jose Peseiro cause for concern. The Super Eagles, beaten finalists in the last tournament, secured a 2-1 win but looked far from convincing.
Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock with a 36th-minute header, but Charles M'Mombwa's equaliser for Tanzania early in the second half rattled the favourites. Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria's lead almost immediately with a fine strike, but confidence seemed to drain from the side thereafter.
Star striker Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside and was visibly frustrated when substituted late on. Nigeria relied on their experience to see out the game after Tanzania's Ibrahim Hamad missed a late chance to equalise.
Tournament Context and Other Results
The opening matches took place on what is shaping up to be the wettest and coldest Afcon in memory. In other Group C action, Tunisia delivered a warning to Nigeria with an impressive 3-1 win over Uganda, with Elias Achouri scoring twice.
In Group D, an early goal from Theo Bongonda was enough for Congo to secure a 1-0 victory against Benin. The results set the stage for a compelling group stage, with Senegal appearing the most formidable of the pre-tournament favourites after the first round of fixtures.
