Senegal and Burundi will face off in their last match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar on Tuesday. Although the outcome of the game will have no effect on the qualification standings for either side, the fixture still carries significant implications for both teams. Senegal, already assured of a spot in the 2025 tournament, will be seeking to confirm their position at the top of Group L. On the other hand, Burundi, mathematically out of contention for the AFCON, will look to salvage pride as they bring their qualification campaign to a close.
The Senegalese national team, known as the Lions of Teranga, have enjoyed a highly successful qualification campaign, securing their place in the 2025 AFCON in the previous international window. Their qualification was confirmed after a crucial 1-0 victory over Malawi in the September 2024 round of qualifiers. With their spot in the tournament already guaranteed, Senegal could approach their remaining matches with a sense of security, though the pursuit of group supremacy remains a priority.
Heading into their most recent match against Burkina Faso last Thursday, the Lions of Teranga were locked in a fierce competition for first place in the group. Both teams had earned 10 points from their first five matches, but Senegal found themselves in second place due to a goal difference disadvantage. Despite this, the Lions knew that a victory over Burkina Faso would lift them to the top of the group. The match ended with a 1-0 triumph for Senegal, thanks to a late goal from midfielder Mouhamadou Diarra, who scored in the 83rd minute to secure the three points.
This victory allowed Senegal to overtake Burkina Faso and ascend to the top of the group with 13 points, putting them in a commanding position heading into their final match against Burundi. For Senegal, this fixture against Burundi is crucial not only to maintain their first-place standing but also to keep their unbeaten run intact. The Lions of Teranga have been in formidable form, having not lost a single match since a 1-0 defeat to Algeria in an international friendly in September 2023. This unbeaten streak has now stretched to 17 matches, and they will be eager to extend that run with another positive result against Burundi
Senegal's head coach, Pape Thiaw, is likely to use this match to give opportunities to some of his fringe players while still fielding a team strong enough to ensure they maintain their dominance in the group. With the top spot already within their grasp, a draw against Burundi would be enough for the Lions of Teranga to retain their place at the summit of the group. However, Thiaw is unlikely to take any chances, as a victory would not only secure the top spot but also ensure that Senegal enters the 2025 AFCON with momentum.
Thiaw’s approach to the game will likely focus on balancing squad rotation with the desire to maintain the team's competitive edge. It is expected that he will make a few changes to the lineup that defeated Burkina Faso, giving some of the lesser-played members of the squad the chance to showcase their talents. Nevertheless, given the quality and depth of the Senegalese squad, Thiaw will ensure that his team is still capable of extending their remarkable unbeaten run against a Burundi side that has struggled in recent qualifiers.
Furthermore, the Lions of Teranga will be aiming to maintain their perfect record against Burundi. Senegal has won all three of their previous encounters with the East African nation, including a 1-0 victory earlier in the qualifying campaign. A positive result against Burundi will not only secure their top spot in the group but also continue their dominance over their opponents.
While Senegal has had a relatively smooth journey to qualification, Burundi's path has been fraught with challenges and disappointments. Les Hirondelles, as the Burundian national team is known, started their AFCON qualification campaign with promise, securing a 3-2 victory over Malawi in their opening match on September 5, 2024. However, their campaign soon began to unravel, and the East African side has not been able to secure a win in any of their subsequent four matches.
The first sign of trouble came in the form of a 1-0 loss to Senegal in Bujumbura, followed by a string of defeats to Burkina Faso. In October 2024, Burundi was comprehensively beaten by Burkina Faso in two consecutive matches, effectively ending any hopes of qualifying for the 2025 tournament. This run of poor results left Burundi with no chance of finishing in one of the top two spots in their group, a requirement for securing qualification.
Burundi's qualification hopes were officially dashed, but they managed to end a three-match losing streak in their most recent outing against Malawi last Thursday. The match ended in a goalless draw, offering some relief for coach Patrick Sangwa and his players. Despite this result, Burundi’s winless run now stands at four matches, which has left the team with few positives to take from their qualification campaign.
One of the few bright spots for Burundi during this qualification campaign was their ability to secure their only victory away from home. Their 3-2 win over Malawi came in Blantyre, making it their only three points in the group so far. However, with no other wins to their name, they have struggled to make an impact on the road to the 2025 AFCON. To make matters worse, their record in Senegal is not promising either; the last time they visited the West African nation in 2015, they were defeated 3-1.
As Burundi prepares for their final match of the qualification campaign, they are fully aware of the enormity of the task ahead. A trip to Senegal, one of the most formidable teams in African football, is always a daunting prospect, and the Burundians will need to overcome their recent struggles if they are to end their campaign on a high note. Despite being eliminated from contention, Burundi will be motivated by the desire to prove themselves against one of the continent's best teams and leave a lasting impression in their final match.
For Patrick Sangwa’s side, the focus will be on improving their performances and building some momentum ahead of future international competitions. Although they will not be able to participate in the 2025 AFCON, Burundi will want to leave the qualifiers with a sense of accomplishment and dignity. A positive result against Senegal, whether it be a draw or a surprising victory, would be the perfect way for the Burundians to demonstrate their resilience and ability to compete at a high level.
For Senegal, all eyes will be on the key players who have been instrumental in their qualification success so far. Ismaila Sarr, the dynamic winger who has been in excellent form for both his club and country, will be a key figure in this match. Along with Sarr, the likes of Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy will provide the leadership and experience needed to maintain Senegal's strong performance on the field. Senegal has a wealth of talent across all areas of the pitch, and even with potential rotations in the lineup, they are likely to dominate possession and create plenty of goal-scoring opportunities.
On the Burundian side, Abedi Bigirimana will be one of the key players to watch. The midfielder has been one of the standout performers for his country during the qualifiers, scoring crucial goals and providing energy in the middle of the park. However, Burundi will need a collective effort to overcome Senegal’s strength and look to disrupt the rhythm of the game to have any chance of getting a result. The team will rely on their defensive solidity, creative playmakers, and a strong finish from their forwards to make the most of any opportunities that arise
Although the result of this final qualifier between Senegal and Burundi will not affect the outcome of the group or qualification, the match remains important for both sides. Senegal will look to confirm their place at the top of Group L and extend their remarkable unbeaten run, while Burundi will aim to finish their campaign with a positive result that will provide some much-needed confidence going forward. For Senegal, it is a chance to showcase their dominance once again, while Burundi, despite being out of contention, will look to take pride in a strong performance. Ultimately, this match will serve as a fitting conclusion to a qualification campaign that has been filled with highs and lows for both teams.