Senegal will face Malawi in a vital double-header in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The first leg is scheduled for October 11, 2024, at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, while the return leg will be played four days later, on October 15, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The Lions of Teranga will be looking to secure a home win before heading to Malawi for the second match.
With the first encounter taking place on familiar ground, Senegal will aim to capitalize on home advantage, despite their recent struggles to secure victories at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium.
The team, led by coach Aliou Cissé, will need to reverse this trend as they prepare to face a Malawian side that will be buoyed by playing in front of their home supporters in the return leg.
Senegal’s players are no strangers to the Bingu National Stadium, having already played and won there against Burundi in the second round of these qualifiers.
That 1-0 victory will give Sadio Mané and his teammates confidence as they prepare to take on Malawi.
However, they must first focus on delivering a strong performance in Diamniadio, where securing all three points is crucial for their qualification campaign.
The double confrontation holds significant importance for both teams, as well as for the other two nations in Group B, Burkina Faso and Burundi, who will also be facing each other in a key matchup.
Currently, Senegal and Burkina Faso share the top spot in the group with four points each, which adds further intensity to the upcoming fixtures.
A win for Senegal in the first leg would provide a comfortable cushion heading into the away match in Malawi, allowing the team to maintain their strong position in the group.
Senegal’s recent performances have been bolstered by the impressive form of their attackers, many of whom have been thriving at their respective clubs.
Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mané, and Chérif Ndiaye have all been in fine scoring form, with several goals and assists to their names over the past week.
Additionally, Ismaïla Sarr delivered a solid performance in Crystal Palace’s goalless draw with Manchester United, further reinforcing the strength of Senegal’s offensive lineup.
This resurgence of form is welcome news for head coach Aliou Cissé, who has faced criticism over the national team’s attacking inefficiency in recent matches.
As the team prepares for these pivotal qualifiers, the return to form of key players provides a timely boost for Senegal as they aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco.
The stakes are high, and with Burkina Faso pushing for the top spot in the group, Senegal must deliver strong performances in both legs to ensure they stay on track for qualification.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Lions of Teranga can rise to the challenge and continue their journey towards AFCON 2025.
