The last day of the CAN 2025 qualifiers had to be finished on a high note. Already qualified and assured of finishing at the top of Group L, the Lions had to finish the job in the best possible way against a “Swallows” team that had already been eliminated.
In his starting eleven, Pape Thiaw made only four changes compared to the team that played in Bamako. Facing an opponent grouped in its zone, it took until the 34th minute to see the Lions open the scoring. Repositioned in midfield after having helped out on the right side, it was finally Habib Diarra who resolved the situation. The Strasbourg player concluded with a flick an offering from Iliman Ndiaye, after a long phase of possession.
Before, the clearest opportunity was to the credit of Chérif Ndiaye in the 25th minute, who volleyed a pass from Pape Matar Sarr, at the edge of the area. Unfortunately on his bad foot, the Red Star Belgrade striker saw his shot miss the frame.
An opportunity that will sound the awakening of the 2022 African champions. Very active on the right side, Iliman Ndiaye often proved dangerous, without managing to ensure the final pass. A performance that could have been punished by at least one goal, in the first half. He will give up his place at the start of the second half, to the young Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly. The latter will not take long to distinguish himself with an assist on his first ball. The FC Metz winger, after an acceleration, will offer Habib Diarra the double (51st, 2-0). The mass was said for Kalidou Koulibaly’s teammates who will unfold. Author of a good match, Sadio Mané will have done everything to score “his” goal. Unfortunately, the Al-Nassr striker was thwarted by the Burundian goalkeeper, who will have prevented his team from taking on water.
The Lions will end up winning logically and end this campaign of the CAN 2025 qualifiers in style, with a record of five wins and one draw. With 16 points, Senegal finished at the top of Group L ahead of Burkina Faso (10 pts), Burundi (4 pts) and Malawi (4 pts). Next meeting in March 2025, with the continuation of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. By then, the Federation and the ministry will have time to look into the file of the future coach of the Lions.
It’s said… It’s said… It’s said…
Pape Thiaw, Lions coach: “I wanted to congratulate the players who followed the instructions and who really wanted to finish these qualifiers in style. I also thank the Senegalese people and the supporters who made the trip to the stadium. Pape Thiaw’s recipe? When you have great players who are attentive, disciplined and receptive, it becomes easier. When you have four matches, four victories, it’s satisfying. But there are still many things to improve… We must congratulate this Burundi team. In a short time, they have managed to put together a well-established unit.”
Patrick Sangwa Mayani, Burundi coach : “I have mixed feelings. I am disappointed with the defeat, but satisfied with the organization we had put in place. The players were able to apply it for a good period. Unfortunately, we knew that we should not make the slightest mistake against such a Senegal team. That is what happened. I found a Senegal team well in place and moving. That disrupted our organization a lot. Even if we were good in the first half. I think we did not concede many chances during this period. The Senegal team certainly had the ball, but we were well placed. We need a good defensive organization, before thinking about the offensive sector. That is the basis of my work. You should know that I took the team in October and I think we are on the right track to put together a good group.”
