Senegal commenced their AFCON 2025 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Botswana, delivering the professional performance expected of continental champions as they outclassed the Zebras in every department.
The Teranga Lions controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, demonstrating why they enter this tournament amongst the favourites to retain their crown. Botswana, competing in only their third AFCON finals, were comprehensively outplayed by opponents operating on an entirely different level.
Senegal’s quality was evident throughout. Their movement off the ball created constant problems for Botswana’s defence, whilst their technical execution ensured promising positions were converted into clear goalscoring opportunities. Manager Pape Thiaw will have been satisfied with how his side implemented their game plan.
The opening goal arrived through patient build-up play, Senegal working the ball methodically before exploiting space to devastating effect. Once ahead, there was never any doubt about the outcome. Botswana lacked the quality required to threaten an equaliser, whilst Senegal possessed too much firepower to be contained.
Senegal’s second goal killed any lingering hopes Botswana harboured of salvaging something from the contest. The strike showcased the Lions’ attacking prowess, with slick passing combinations unlocking the Zebras’ defensive structure before a clinical finish doubled the advantage.
By the time Senegal added their third, the match had long since been decided. The goal provided statistical satisfaction rather than dramatic significance, confirming the comprehensive nature of Senegal’s superiority. Botswana’s players looked exhausted, both physically and mentally, unable to cope with the relentless pressure applied by their opponents.
For Thiaw, this was precisely the start required. Senegal lifted the trophy in 2021, finally ending their wait for continental glory after years of near-misses. They reached the final in 2002 and 2019 before eventually triumphing in Cameroon, with Sadio Mané converting the winning penalty in a shootout against Egypt.
That triumph was particularly sweet given the talent Senegal had assembled over the previous decade. Players like Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Idrissa Gueye had established themselves amongst Africa’s elite, yet the AFCON trophy had remained elusive. Victory in 2021 validated their quality and confirmed Senegal’s status as continental powerhouses.
The current squad retains much of that championship-winning core, though some key figures have moved on or declined. Mané remains the talismanic presence, his experience and quality crucial to Senegal’s hopes. The Liverpool legend has achieved almost everything in club football, and adding another AFCON title would further cement his legacy.
Senegal’s defensive organisation impressed against Botswana. They rarely looked troubled, maintaining their shape and composure even when Botswana occasionally ventured forward. The clean sheet will please Cissé, who understands that defensive solidity provides the foundation for tournament success.
Botswana, meanwhile, face a daunting task to progress from Group D. Their opening defeat leaves them needing positive results against DR Congo and Benin, both difficult opponents. The Zebras have never advanced beyond the group stage in their brief AFCON history, and this tournament looks unlikely to provide a breakthrough.
Manager Morena Ramoreboli inherited a challenging job when he took charge, and results have been disappointing. Botswana failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, finishing last in their group without registering a single victory. Their recent form has been equally concerning, with heavy defeats becoming worryingly common.
Against Senegal, Botswana’s limitations were exposed. They lacked the technical quality to retain possession, the tactical sophistication to nullify Senegal’s threats, and the physical conditioning to compete for 90 minutes. Whilst nobody expected them to trouble the champions, the margin of defeat was still sobering.
Senegal’s victory temporarily placed them atop Group D ahead of DR Congo’s fixture against Benin later on Tuesday. The Leopards subsequently secured a 1-0 victory, setting up an intriguing clash between the group’s two strongest sides later in the competition.
Thiaw’s side now prepare for that encounter with DR Congo, which promises to determine who tops the group. Both nations possess quality squads and realistic ambitions of challenging for the trophy, making their head-to-head fixture crucial for securing a favourable knockout-stage draw.
Senegal’s supporters travelled in significant numbers to Casablanca, creating an atmosphere befitting champions. Their passion and noise throughout the 90 minutes demonstrated the pride the nation takes in their team’s achievements. Football matters deeply in Senegal, and success at the AFCON carries enormous cultural significance.
The Teranga Lions have developed a distinctive identity under Thiaw, combining the flair and creativity traditionally associated with West African football with improved organisation and tactical discipline. They can dominate possession when required but also transition quickly when opportunities arise.
For Botswana, the tournament represents valuable experience despite the difficult results. Exposure to this level of competition helps develop players and raises standards domestically. The Zebras must use these fixtures as learning opportunities, identifying areas requiring improvement if they harbour ambitions of competing more effectively at future tournaments.
Match details
Senegal: É. Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs, Mendy, Gueye, Sarr, Mané (c), Jackson, Dia
Botswana: Ditlhokwe, Maphosa, Velaphi, Seakanyeng, Baruti, Ditlhokwe, Galenamotlhale, Ramotlhwa, Gaolaolwe, Seakanyeng, Mothusi
Referee: Helder Martins (Angola)
