Tuesday’s AFCON 2025 action saw a mix of hard-fought wins and dominant displays as former champions Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia all kicked off their Group C and D campaigns with victories, while DR Congo were held by a stubborn Benin.
Nigeria began their quest to go one better than 2023 with a 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C, though the scoreline belied their dominance in Fes’s torrential rain.
Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero, scoring a superb second-half winner to settle nerves after the Super Eagles wasted a host of first-half chances. Victor Osimhen was denied by a heroic goal-line clearance, epitomizing a frustrating opening period for the silver medalists. Despite near-total control, Nigeria’s profligacy kept Tanzania in the contest until the final whistle, securing a positive but nervy start for the former José Peseiro’s side.
Meanwhile, Senegal Signal Intent with Commanding Display The 2021 champions, Senegal, sent a powerful message to the tournament with a comfortable 3-0 demolition of Botswana in Group D.
Nicolas Jackson led the charge with a well-taken brace. He broke Botswana’s stubborn resistance just before halftime, tapping in Ismail Jakobs’s low cross, before showing quick feet to add a second on the hour mark. The Teranga Lions, one of the pre-tournament favorites, unleashed 28 shots on goal and capped the performance with a late third from substitute Cherif Ndiaye, topping the group on goal difference.
Also, Tunisia joined the winners’ circle, mastering the wet conditions in Rabat to dispatch Uganda 3-1.
Ellyes Skhiri’s early header set the tone, and Elias Achouri stole the show with a double, first slotting home five minutes before the break, then tapping in a second after the hour mark to seal the points. Uganda’s Denis Omedi grabbed a late consolation, but the 2004 champions were in firm control throughout, making a strong opening statement.
Elsewhere, the Democratic Republic of Congo flushed Benin Republic 1-0.
