Senegal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Burundi in their second match of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Monday.
The match took place at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, where the Teranga Lions faced a well-organized Burundian side. The victory was sealed by a second-half penalty from Ismaïla Sarr.
Burundi started the game strongly, applying early pressure, but Senegal quickly found their rhythm. Led by Sadio Mané, Senegal dominated possession, registering 21 shots compared to Burundi’s two. Despite their control, the 2021 AFCON champions struggled to break down Burundi’s resilient defense, with many attempts going wide or being blocked.
The first half’s best chance came when Mané’s tight-angle shot was saved by Burundian goalkeeper Mattéo Nkurunziza, leaving the match goalless at halftime.
Early in the second half, Nicolas Jackson missed a golden opportunity to put Senegal ahead, failing to convert an open goal. Burundi responded with a dangerous chance of their own, as Jean Claude Girumugisha narrowly missed a lob over Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The breakthrough finally came in the 71st minute when Sadio Mané was fouled in the box by a high foot from a Burundian defender. Although Mané was eager to take the penalty, Ismaïla Sarr stepped up and calmly converted, giving Senegal the lead.
Senegal continued to press for a second goal, but Nkurunziza’s crucial saves kept the scoreline at 1-0. Despite the narrow margin, Senegal now tops Group L with four points, while Burundi sits second with three points.
