Senegal on the cusp of 2025 Afcon qualification

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers head towards the concluding phases, Senegal are just one victory away from qualifying for next year’s showpiece as they prepare to take on Malawi at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Kick-off is 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

As it stands, Senegal occupy second place in group L, after accumulating seven points from three matches played so far. The Lions of Teranga have built a four-point lead over third-placed Burundi and have the chance to topple Burkina Faso in first place this week.

Senegal were at their dominant best in a 4-0 victory against Malawi last time out, as Pape Gueye, Sadio Mane, Boulaye Dia and Nicolas Jackson rounded off the scoresheet at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade this past Friday.

The defeat left Malawi dangling at the bottom of group L after recording three consecutive defeats in their 2025 Afcon qualifying bid.

WHAT WAS SAID

Malawi coach Patrick Mabedi expressed that there was little his side could do against Senegal last week, especially after picking up a red card in the 16th minute of the match.

"Senegal have very good players and a great team. They had to find a way to capitalise on their numerical advantage. We had to adjust because we had to react as soon as possible," Mabedi said.

"We had to sit back because we didn't have more numbers going forward," he added.

Now under the tutelage of Interim coach Pape Thiaw, defensive midfielder Pape Guèye mentioned that the 43-year-old instructed his side to express themselves against the Flames.

"Coach Pape Thiaw asked us to enjoy ourselves and play the football we know how to play, and that's what we did," Guèye said after the match.

TEAM NEWS

While neither of the nations experienced any real injury concerns last Friday, Malawi will be without goalkeeper Brighton Munthali who picked up a red card during the tie. Replacement goalkeeper George Chikooka is expected to take up the position between the sticks this week.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Senegal’s 4-0 win over Malawi saw the Lions of Teranga increase their unbeaten run against their upcoming opponents to three matches in all competitions.

Senegal have recorded three wins in four matches against Malawi in all competitions in the past, with one draw played out between the two nations during this period.