Senegal registered their first win in Group L of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Monday. The result marked a significant step forward for the Teranga Lions, following a frustrating draw in their opening fixture against Burkina Faso.
Senegal came into the match looking to bounce back after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso, where they had conceded a late equalizer at home last Friday.
Determined to make amends, they dominated the first half, but despite their efforts, they found Burundi’s defense to be particularly stubborn.
The Swallows conceded only three shots on target in the first 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Matteo Nkurunziza making key saves to deny Senegal an early lead.
Despite the attacking presence of Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, Senegal struggled to find cohesion and fluidity in their forward play.
Their performance in the first half reflected the same frustrations they had experienced in their previous match against Burkina Faso.
The hosts, Burundi, stood firm in defense, frustrating the Senegalese side as they sought to break the deadlock.
Burundi, buoyed by their victory over Malawi last Thursday, made tactical adjustments at the start of the second half, introducing Jean Claude Girumugisha and Aruna Madjaliwa to freshen up their lineup.
Senegal responded by making their own attacking changes just after the hour mark, with Habib Diallo and Iliman Ndiaye coming off the bench to add more firepower to their attack.
The breakthrough finally came in the 71st minute when Senegal was awarded a penalty after sustained pressure in Burundi’s half.
Ismaila Sarr calmly converted from the spot, sending Nkurunziza the wrong way and putting the Teranga Lions in the lead.
arr’s composed finish gave Senegal the crucial advantage, and they were determined not to let it slip this time.
Senegal, wary of repeating the mistake that cost them two points against Burkina Faso, tightened their defense in the closing stages.
Although Burundi pushed for an equalizer, Senegal’s backline, marshaled by Kalidou Koulibaly, held firm to secure a hard-fought victory and a vital three points.
The win puts Senegal back on track in their quest to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, while Burundi will need to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
The group action will resume next month, with Burundi facing a challenging double-header against Burkina Faso, while Senegal will take on Malawi in back-to-back matches.
Final Score:
Burundi 0
Senegal 1 (Ismaila Sarr 71′ pen)
Burundi Line-up: Nkurunziza, Muderi, Nsabiyumva, Ndayishimiye (Bukuru 72’), Musore, Kanakimana (Kamsoba 57’), Bigirimana (Mossi 57’), Msanga (Madjaliwa 46’), Eldinho, Jordi (Girumugisha 46’), Ntibazonkiza.
Senegal Line-up: E. Mendy, F. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs (M. Diouf 90+2’), I. Sarr, I. Gueye (I. Ndiaye 61’), Camara (P. Sarr 90+2’), P. Gueye, Jackson (H. Diallo 61’), Mane (Sima 90’).
Senegal’s disciplined defensive effort and clinical penalty from Sarr secured the much-needed win, placing them in a promising position in Group L as the AFCON 2025 qualifiers progress.
