Senegal will look to put the heartbreak of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations behind them when they kick off the new qualifying campaign against Burkina Faso at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium on Friday, September 6.
Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM:
The Lions of Teranga went to Ivory Coast as defending champions, but their journey ended in tears at the round of 16 after losing to the hosts on penalties.
Aliou Cisse's side were four minutes away from victory when the Elephants were awarded a controversial penalty which they converted to force extra time and eventually won via the shootout lottery.
Senegal continued their unbeaten start in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after playing out to a 1-1 draw with DR Congo on June 6 and running out narrow 1-0 victors over Mauritania three days later.
That was their third win in four games, having recorded back-to-back victories against Gabon (3-0) and Benin (1-0) in the March friendlies.
Burkina Faso endured a disappointing Afcon 2023, although they still managed to reach the round of 16 before falling to Mali courtesy of 2-1 defeat.
The Stallions won just one of their four games at the tournament and their poor form continued in the March friendlies as they lost 2-1 to Libya and drew 1-1 with Niger.
Brahima Traore's side are also struggling in qualifying for the 2026 Wold Cup after a 2-1 loss to Egypt and a 2-2 draw with Sierra Leone in June left them third in Group A, five points behind the Pharaohs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Senegal - Nicolas Jackson has hit the ground running for Chelsea in the new Premier League season, scoring two goals in his first three games and also providing an assist. The 23-year-old striker didn't get much game-time in Ivory Coast and is still searching for his first international goal, but it would be hard to leave him out given his club form.
Burkina Faso - Stephane Aziz Ki has had limited opportunities for his country, but he's impressed since joining Young Africans in July 2022 and helped them win back-to-back Tanzanian Premier League titles. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder also played a crucial role in Yanga's run to the CAF Confederation Cup final in 2022-23 and featured in the CAF Champions League last season.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Matches - 8
Senegal wins - 3
Burkina Faso wins - 1
Draws - 4