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Senegal edges Burkina Faso in Group L showdown

Issa Said November 14, 2024

Senegal claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Thursday in a top-of-the-table clash in Group L of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The match, played at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali, was decided by a late strike from Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra, securing Senegal’s status as group leaders.

Early Senegalese Pressure

The Lions of Teranga began the game on the front foot, creating several chances in the opening minutes.

Sadio Mané, Iliman Ndiaye, and Kalidou Koulibaly were all involved in testing the Burkinabe defense early on.

Ndiaye had the first significant opportunity in the sixth minute but was denied by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo.

Nicolas Jackson followed with two near misses, first heading wide in the seventh minute and then having a shot blocked two minutes later.

The Stallions responded with a promising attack in the 10th minute when Ousseni Bouda sent a diving header narrowly off target after a well-delivered cross.

Balanced but Tense Exchanges

As the match progressed, Burkina Faso grew into the game, applying pressure on Senegal’s backline.

Edouard Mendy was called into action to recover from a defensive lapse late in the first half, while Idrissa Gueye tested Ouedraogo with a free kick just before the break.

The second half mirrored the first, with both sides exchanging chances.

Burkina Faso nearly took the lead in the 54th minute when Cédric Badolo failed to convert after Mendy pushed a cross into his path, leaving the goal wide open.

Diarra’s Moment of Glory

Sadio Mané attempted to seize control of the game for Senegal, using his pace and skill to unsettle the Burkinabe defense.

However, his final efforts lacked accuracy, including a curling shot that missed the target in the 67th minute.

With the game finely poised, substitute Habib Diarra made the difference in the 83rd minute.

The 19-year-old latched onto a loose ball and fired a precise low shot past Ouedraogo, scoring his first goal for Senegal and breaking the deadlock.

Burkina Faso pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, with Edmond Tapsoba coming close to leveling the score.

However, Mendy’s crucial reflex save on a powerful header from Saïdou Simporé in the 81st minute ensured Senegal’s clean sheet.

Senegal Secures Top Spot

The victory solidifies Senegal’s place at the top of Group L, with only one game remaining against Burundi on Tuesday.

Burkina Faso, already qualified for AFCON 2025, will face Malawi in their final group match.

The tightly contested encounter showcased the quality of both teams, with Senegal demonstrating resilience and Diarra announcing himself as a key player for the future.