Burkina Faso and Senegal, both qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, are set to clash in a crucial Group L matchup on November 14 at the Stade du 26-Mars in Bamako, Mali. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Egyptian referee Mahmoud El Banna to officiate this high-stakes encounter, which is seen as a “final” for the top spot in the group.
In a statement, the Burkinabe Football Federation confirmed the schedule, noting that the match will kick off at 7 p.m. local time in Bamako.
Following this game, Burkina Faso will travel to Lilongwe to face Malawi on November 17 in their final group-stage match at the Bingu National Stadium.
Both Burkina Faso and Senegal have secured their spots in Morocco for the 2025 tournament, but the desire to top the group remains strong, setting up an intense battle in Bamako.
El Banna and His Team to Oversee the Decisive Match
CAF has tasked 42-year-old Egyptian referee Mahmoud El Banna, a well-regarded and experienced official on the African football scene, with overseeing this anticipated contest.
El Banna, along with his team, will be at the center of a game that carries considerable significance despite both teams’ assured places at the upcoming AFCON.
Motivation Runs High as Senegal Seeks Redemption
For Senegal’s Lions, the November clash offers a chance to settle the score from their last encounter with Burkina Faso, which ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw.
In that match, Senegal led until the final minutes, only for Burkina Faso to secure an equalizer, leaving the Senegalese squad eager for a rematch.
This game holds extra motivation for the Burkinabe Stallions, who are eager to build on their recent successes, including a decisive victory over Burundi.
Burkina Faso now aims to dethrone the reigning African champions and maintain their grip on Group L’s top position.
The Burkinabe Football Federation has made extensive preparations, securing the Stade du 26-Mars as the venue for this crucial fixture after stadium issues ruled out other options, including Abidjan.
Pape Thiaw’s First Major Test with the Lions
On the Senegalese side, all eyes will be on interim coach Pape Thiaw, who steps into his first significant test since taking the helm.
Thiaw’s role follows the departure of long-time coach Aliou Cissé, and while his tenure began with a double header against Malawi, those matches were played with a squad largely selected by his predecessor.
The fixture against Burkina Faso, however, marks Thiaw’s first opportunity to lead the team with his own roster, giving fans and analysts a first look at what many are calling the “Pape Thiaw touch.”
The game in Bamako is expected to offer insight into Thiaw’s tactical preferences and his approach to leading Senegal’s national team.
The match is not only a test of player prowess but also of Thiaw’s ability to navigate the competitive dynamics of African football under heightened expectations.
Both nations, eager to assert their dominance in Group L, will battle for victory in a fixture promising both tactical depth and fervent rivalry.
