Senegal thrashed Botswana 3-1 while Nigeria struggled to defeat Tanzania
The 2025 AFCON competition continued with DR Congo taking on Benin in an early kick-off.
With a World Cup qualification in sight, the Congolese looked set to continue their fine form from the World Cup qualifiersplay-offy off.
Theo Bongonda gave DR Congo an early lead pouncing on a mistake made by the Benin defense.
Despite the relentless display by the Squirrels of Benin to equalize and eventually get their first-ever AFCON victory, it all proved fruitless.
Senegal took on Botswana who were only making their second appearance at the AFCON in the second game of the night.
Led by Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mane, the chase for a second AFCON title by the Teranga Lions of Senegal started with a bang.
Nicolas Jackson scored the first goal of the match in the 40th minute after missing a big chance to put his side ahead earlier.
The Bayern Munich striker found the back of the net for the second time after skillfully getting past the Botswana defense and putting it past the goalkeeper.
Cherif Ndiaye added the third goal to the tally in the 90th minute with fellow substitute Sabaly grabbing an assist in the process helping Senegal to cruise to a three-goal win over Botswana
The Super Eagles of Nigeria came into the third game of the day with so much to prove.
The 2023 AFCON silver medalists had recently missed the chance to qualify for the Continental World Cup play-offs after falling short to DR Congo in Morocco.
Tanzania on the other hand is also yet to win a game at the AFCON in its history with the year’s tournament marking their third appearance.
Semi Ajayi found the back of the net for the Nigerians as the 32-year-old defender headed home a delightful cross from Alex Iwobi in the 32nd minute.
Tanzania drew level through Charles M’Mombwa in the 50th minute after Nigeria were made to pay for the mistake by Zaidu and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Just as the Tanzanians grew in confidence, Ademola Lookman had other ideas as he dazzled his way through the Tanzanian defense and finally found the back of the net with a shot beating goalkeeper Zuberi Foba who was proving to stubborn to beat.
The last game of match day two saw Tunisia taking on the Cranes of Uganda in a keenly contested match.
An Elias Achouri-inspired Tunisian side proved too difficult for the Ugandans to handle as they beat them by three goals to one with Achouri and Skhiri scoring for the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
Denis Omedi’s 92nd goal for Uganda saw the game end 3-1 in favour of Tunisia.
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