Senegal Roars, Nigeria Shaky as AFCON Contenders Begin business

By Amaechi Agbo

Former champions, Senegal announced themselves in style on Tuesday, setting aside Botswana 3-0 to highlight their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, while Nigeria stumbled through a nervy 2-1 win over Tanzania that raised more questions than answers.
Both sides arrived at the 35th AFCON tagged as favourites. Only one looked the part.
In Tangier, Senegal were dominant from the first whistle. Nicolas Jackson struck twice, substitute Cherif Ndiaye added a late third, and the Teranga Lions cruised past a Botswana side that spent most of the night under siege.
Goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko spared the Zebras a heavier defeat with a string of fine saves as Senegal’s drummers danced relentlessly in the stands.
“We have to keep going like this,” said coach Pape Thiaw. “There are no easy opening matches.”
His team played like they knew that and like they meant business.
Jackson, short of chances at club level this season, was wasteful early but eventually found his rhythm.
He opened the scoring just before halftime, doubled it after the break with a sharp finish using both feet, and left the stage to applause before Ndiaye sealed it in stoppage time.
Senegal could have had more. Nigeria, by contrast, settled for less.
The Super Eagles took the lead in Fez when Semi Ajayi headed home from an Alex Iwobi corner, but control slipped away almost immediately after halftime when Charles M’Mombwa equalized for Tanzania against the run of play.
Ademola Lookman’s quick response restored Nigeria’s lead and yet instead of calming nerves, it exposed them.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside, cut a frustrated figure throughout, and showed his displeasure when substituted late on.
Tanzania pushed. Nigeria clung on. Experience, not excellence, got them over the line.
“We are satisfied with the three points,” coach Éric Chelle said. Few watching were convinced.
Elsewhere in Group C, Tunisia delivered a reminder of their own credentials.
Elias Achouri struck twice, Ellyes Skhiri added another, and the Carthage Eagles beat Uganda 3-1 to pile early pressure on Nigeria ahead of their clash on Saturday.