Teranga Lions up and running in Afcon qualifiers

Senegal have recorded their first win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers after they defeated hosts Burundi 1-0 in a Group L match played 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 Burundi’s 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.

The Swallows made a double change at the start of the second half, introducing Jean Claude Girumugisha and Aruna Madjaliwa, while Senegal waited until just after the hour mark to throw on Habib Diallo and Iliman Ndiaye to boost their attack.

And the visitors’ duly upped the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty which Ismaila Sarr converted in the 71st minute to break the deadlock.

With just a one-goal lead, Senegal surely had worried about a repeat of their mistake against Burkina Faso, but this time their defence held firm to secure an important three-point haul.

The teams will return to Group L action next month, with Burundi and Senegal facing respective double-headers against Burkina Faso and Malawi respectively.

Burundi 0

Senegal (0) 1 (I. Sarr 71’ pen)

Burundi: Nkurunziza, Muderi, Nsabiyumva, Ndayishimiye (Bukuru 72’), Musore, Kanakimana (Kamsoba 57’), Bigirimana (Mossi 57’), Msanga (Madjaliwa 46’), Eldinho, Jordi (Girumugisha 46’), Ntibazonkiza.

Senegal: E. Mendy, F. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs (M. Diouf 90+2’), I. Sarr, I. Gueye (I. Ndiaye 61’), Camara (P. Sarr 90+2’), P. Gueye, Jackson (H. Diallo 61’), Mane (Sima 90’)