Burkina Faso secure last-minute draw against Senegal in AFCON 2025 Qualifier
Burkina Faso delivered a dramatic performance in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifying match against Senegal, holding the reigning African champions to a 1-1 draw in a tense Group L encounter. Senegal, widely regarded as one of the continent’s strongest sides, appeared poised for victory until Burkina Faso’s late equalizer in stoppage time disrupted their momentum.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were intent on setting an aggressive tone.
Just a minute into the match, Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara nearly latched onto a well-placed pass from Edmond Tapsoba, narrowly missing the chance to test Senegal’s defense.
The Stallions maintained their pressure in the early minutes, with Mohamed Konaté heading the ball towards goal, only for Nasser Djiga’s subsequent shot to go wide.
Senegal, however, was quick to respond.
In the 7th minute, Nicolas Jackson capitalized on a turnover from Tapsoba and found himself in a dangerous position.
Before he could unleash a shot, Burkina Faso’s Sacha Bansé made a vital defensive recovery, dispossessing the Al Nassr forward and keeping the score level.
Despite Burkina Faso’s energetic start, it was Senegal who began to dictate the pace of the game.
In the 11th minute, a golden opportunity fell to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who was left unmarked in the box after a precise pass from Ismaïla Sarr.
With just the goalkeeper to beat, Jackson’s left-footed shot went astray, squandering a prime chance to break the deadlock.
Five minutes later, Senegal would seize their opportunity.
A mistake by Burkina Faso’s Cédric Badolo handed possession to Sadio Mané, and the former Liverpool star needed no second invitation.
Mané calmly slotted the ball past Burkinabe goalkeeper Hervé Koffi, giving Senegal a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.
It was a clinical finish from the talismanic forward, punishing Burkina Faso for their carelessness.
As the match progressed, Burkina Faso struggled to retain possession, repeatedly allowing Senegal to assert dominance.
Yet, despite the pressure, the Stallions held firm defensively, keeping their deficit to just one goal.
Senegal, meanwhile, failed to capitalize on their lead, missing several chances to put the game beyond Burkina Faso’s reach.
The Stallions, emboldened by Senegal’s wastefulness, began to claw their way back into the match as the second half wore on.
Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion during stoppage time.
With just moments remaining, Burkina Faso launched a final attack that caught Senegal off guard.
A well-executed play saw the Stallions find the back of the net, leaving the Senegalese players and fans stunned.
The equalizer came too late for Senegal to mount a response, and the match ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
The draw leaves Senegal frustrated, having failed to close out a match they largely controlled.
While Sadio Mané’s early goal appeared to set them on course for victory, Burkina Faso’s resilience ensured that the points were shared.
For Burkina Faso, the result is a testament to their determination and ability to fight back against one of Africa’s footballing giants.
As the AFCON 2025 qualifiers continue, both teams will be looking to build on this result.
Senegal remains a strong favorite to progress, but this match serves as a reminder that no team can be underestimated in the race for continental glory.
Qualif #CAN2025 : Sadio Mané 🇸🇳 profite d’une erreur de la défense burkinabé pour ouvrir le score 🦁 pic.twitter.com/A67WBCy9AP
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) September 6, 2024
