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Group D: Can Nicolas Jackson lead Senegal to glory?

The Mercury

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December 18, 2025

SENEGAL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Botswana clash in a mix of giants and underdogs at Afcon 2025.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Group D: Can Nicolas Jackson lead Senegal to glory?

SENEGAL striker Nicolas Jackson is expected to shine at Afcon 2025, bringing pace, power and finishing ability to the Lions of Teranga's star-studded attack.

(BackpagePix)

Senegal head into the tournament as favourites, DRC bring a talented squad to challenge, while Benin and Botswana will be looking to cause surprises and make their mark on the continental stage.

CAF Ranking: 2nd

Coach: Pape Thiaw

Player to watch: Nicolas Jackson

Best performance: Champions 2021

Tournament prediction: Semifinals

The Lions of Teranga are hot favourites to win a second title, going into the tournament with an impressive world record run of 22 unbeaten matches.

This could well be Sadio Mané’s swansong on the biggest continental stage, and the former Liverpool superstar would love nothing more than to bow out in glory.

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