Senegal wrapped up their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 win over Burundi at the Diamniadio Stadium on Tuesday night.
The star of the evening was 20-year-old Habib Diarra, whose brace ensured the Lions finished top of Group L with 16 points from six matches.
Senegal dominated the early exchanges, controlling over 70% possession in the first 15 minutes but struggled to convert their superiority into goals.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Diarra, set up by Iliman Ndiaye, delivered a delightful chip over Burundian goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana.
The Strasbourg midfielder nearly added a second moments later but saw his low shot comfortably saved.
Diarra doubled Senegal’s lead early in the second half with another expertly executed chip, this time from a Cheick Sabaly assist, to seal the victory.
Despite Sadio Mané’s repeated attempts to get on the scoresheet, including a powerful header that was brilliantly saved by Nahimana, the scoreline remained unchanged.
Burundi, who finished third in the group, struggled to match Senegal’s intensity throughout.
With this victory, Senegal completed their campaign unbeaten, showcasing their credentials as one of Africa’s strongest teams heading into AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Meanwhile, Malawi delivered a stunning performance in their final Group L match of the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, defeating Burkina Faso 3-0 at the Bingu National Stadium on Monday.
Despite the result, the group standings remain unchanged as Senegal and Burkina Faso advance to Morocco.
Coming into the match, the Flames had endured a torrid run, failing to win any of their last 10 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON qualifiers.
However, they stunned their opponents with a commanding display. Gabadinho Mhango broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a sensational long-range strike, giving Malawi a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Richard Mbulu double the Flames’ advantage in the 57th minute with a perfectly placed header.
Lloyd Aaron sealed the emphatic victory in the 62nd minute, converting from close range after a slick team move.
The win marked a morale-boosting end to their otherwise disappointing campaign, though they still finish bottom of the group due to an inferior goal difference compared to Burundi.
The Stallions, who had already secured qualification, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite several attempts, including a late header by Issoufou Dayo, the Stallions could not capitalize on their chances.
Key players like Steeve Yago and Cédric Badolo were unable to inspire the team, which looked uncharacteristically disjointed.
The loss means Burkina Faso finish the group stage with 10 points, firmly in second place behind Senegal.
Their impressive early campaign ensured they clinched qualification prior to this fixture, but this defeat exposed gaps they’ll need to address before the tournament in Morocco.
Group leaders Senegal, unbeaten in the qualifiers, maintained their perfect record when they beat Burundi to take their points tally to 16..
Final Group L Standings:
- Senegal – 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses)
- Burkina Faso – 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)
- Burundi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses)
- Malawi – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses)
