Overview
- Senegal beat Botswana 3–0 in Tangier as Bayern loanee Nicolas Jackson scored twice before Cherif Ndiaye sealed the result late.
- Jackson missed a chance for a hat-trick, while Senegal controlled the match throughout with Sadio Mané in the starting lineup.
- DR Congo opened Group D with a 1–0 victory over Benin, shaping the early group picture for Senegal’s next opponents.
- Algeria defeated Sudan 3–0, with Luca Zidane starting in goal for a clean sheet and Riyad Mahrez scoring twice as Sudan finished with ten men.
- Ivory Coast edged Mozambique 1–0 through Amad Diallo, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande continuing after a collision and goalkeeper Fofana preserving the lead late.