Senegal claimed their first win in Group L of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when they overcame hosts Burundi 1-0 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Monday afternoon.
The Teranga Lions were frustrated by an opening draw at home to Burkina Faso last Friday in which they conceded a last-gasp equaliser but they have put themselves back on track with a victory secured by a second-half penalty from Ismaila Sarr.
The Swallows, meanwhile, are second on the log thanks to their win over Malawi last Thursday. The Stallions and the Flames will meet in Bamako on Tuesday.
Senegal bossed the first half, but found Burundis defence a resilient one: the hosts conceded just three shots on target through the first 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Matteo Nkurunziza able to turn the efforts away.
The West Africans, spearheaded by Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson in attack, were again unable to find cohesion and fluidity with this clash mirroring the frustration they endured through much of their 1-1 draw at home to Burkina Faso last Friday.
