2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers: Senegal back on track with hard-fought win

Senegal secured a vital 1-0 victory against Burundi in their second match of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Monday. 

Playing at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, Teranga Lions faced a well-organized Burundian side but managed to clinch the win thanks to a second-half penalty from Ismaïla Sarr.

Burundi began the game strongly, applying pressure in the opening minutes, but Senegal soon found their rhythm.

Sadio Mané and his teammates dominated possession, recording 21 shots compared to Burundi’s two.

Despite their control, the 2021 AFCON champions struggled to break down the resilient Burundian defense, with several efforts going wide or being blocked.

The best chance of the first half came when Mané's tight-angle shot was saved by Burundian goalkeeper Mattéo Nkurunziza. However, the breakthrough remained elusive, leaving the game goalless at halftime.

Early in the second half, Nicolas Jackson missed a golden opportunity to give Senegal the lead, failing to capitalize on an open goal.

Burundi responded with a dangerous chance of their own, as Jean Claude Girumugisha attempted a lob over goalkeeper Edouard Mendy but narrowly missed the target.

The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Sadio Mané was fouled in the box by a high foot from a Burundian defender.

Although Mané was keen to take the penalty himself, it was Ismaïla Sarr who stepped up and confidently slotted home, putting Senegal ahead.

Senegal pushed for a second goal but were unable to extend their lead, with Nkurunziza pulling off crucial saves. Despite the narrow win, Senegal now tops Group L with four points, while Burundi remains second with three.