Just like two years ago in Ivory Coast, Senegal made a perfect start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. On Tuesday, the Lions comfortably defeated Botswana 3-0. Pape Bouna Thiaw's men controlled the match from start to finish, with Nicolas Jackson scoring twice (40th, 57th minutes). Despite a multitude of missed opportunities, the essential was achieved for Sadio Mané and his teammates, who began the tournament with a convincing victory.

 

Édouard Mendy: 5/10

 

He undoubtedly played his most relaxed match of the AFCON finals. In a game utterly dominated by Senegal, Édouard Mendy enjoyed a peaceful afternoon. Remaining focused despite the limited threat from his opponents, the Lions' last line of defense distinguished himself with quick and clean distribution by hand.

 

Krépin Diatta: 6/10

 

Like Ismaïla Jakobs, Krépin Diatta experienced a match with little defensive pressure against a toothless Botswana side. Very active offensively on the right flank, he was involved in numerous attacks. Despite a lack of clinical finishing, the AS Monaco defender delivered a satisfactory performance.

 

Moussa Niakhaté: 6/10

Facing a non-existent Botswana attack, Moussa Niakhaté played a composed 90 minutes. Serious and composed in his tackles, the Olympique Lyonnais defender also distinguished himself with some good distribution, contributing to the build-up play. A solid performance.

 

Kalidou Koulibaly: 7/10

 

The Lions' captain delivered another solid performance. Rarely troubled defensively, Kalidou Koulibaly displayed authority and efficiency in his interventions. Very active in the air and in distribution, he tried to drive his team forward. A robust match, true to form.

 

Ismaïla Jakobs: 6/10

 

In a match largely dominated by Senegal, Ismaïla Jakobs wasn't called upon much defensively. Offensively, he proved decisive, providing Nicolas Jackson with the opening goal with a perfect cross (40th minute). Despite picking up a knock at the end of the first half, he returned to the pitch and was active on the left flank.

 

Pape Guèye: 5/10

 

Deployed as a defensive midfielder, Pape Guèye imposed his strength in the middle of the park. However, he lacked spontaneity in his transitions. In the 4th minute, ideally positioned in the box, he completely missed his shot that would have given Senegal the lead. In the second half, his performance dipped and, showing signs of fatigue, he was replaced by Lamine Camara (69th minute).

 

Idrissa Gana Gueye: 7/10

 

A very good start to the match for Idrissa Gana Gueye, who provided a perfect pass to Nicolas Jackson in the 4th minute. Very active, he was at the heart of Senegal's play, making a positive impact in winning back possession and launching attacks. Despite being 35 years old, the Everton midfielder was invaluable and omnipresent in this match.

 

Sadio Mané: 6/10

 

Positioned slightly deeper, Sadio Mané tried to orchestrate the Lions' play early in the match. Heavily involved in attacking phases, he initiated the move leading to the first goal, perfectly setting up Ismaïla Jakobs. However, in the second half, while he created several chances, he was ineffective and lacked spontaneity, failing to make a difference. He was replaced by Pape Chérif Ndiaye (78th minute), who scored the third goal from a cross by Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly (89th minute).

 

Iliman Ndiaye: 6/10

 

Lively from the start, Iliman Ndiaye was one of the most active players in attack. His skill brought him close to opening the scoring with a left-footed shot that was saved by the Botswana goalkeeper. In the second half, he maintained the same pace, constantly creating opportunities. Even without a goal, he was one of the best Lions on the pitch. Replaced by Ibrahim Mbaye in the 69th minute, the Everton striker showed his frustration.

 

Nicolas Jackson: 8/10

 

He could have opened the scoring very early, as early as the 4th minute, but his shot was saved by the Botswana goalkeeper. Having little luck in the first half, particularly with a cross from Iliman Ndiaye (21st minute), the former Casa Sports player finally broke the deadlock, opening the scoring from an Ismaïla Jakobs cross (40th minute). In the second half, he doubled the lead thanks to a pass from Ismaïla Sarr (57th minute). Despite several missed opportunities, his brace salvaged a decent result. He was replaced by Pathé Ciss (78th minute).

 

Ismaïla Sarr: 6/10

 

Very lively at the start of the match, Ismaïla Sarr tried to inject pace and depth into the attack, without success in the first half. Sharper after the break, he provided an assist for Nicolas Jackson's second goal (57th minute). Generous in his defensive effort, he frequently supported his full-back. He was replaced by Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly (85th minute), who provided the assist for Pape Chérif Ndiaye's third goal (89th minute).