The Senegal national team marked their return under caretaker coach Pape Thiaw with a convincing 4-0 victory over Malawi on Friday evening at the Stade Abdoulaye-Wade in Diamniadio. This match, counting for the third day of qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN), allowed the Lions to regain confidence after the departure of Aliou Cissé.
For this first post-Cissé outing, the Senegalese team delivered an exciting performance, dominating the game against a Malawi reduced to ten after the expulsion of Munthali. The Lions, well organized in 4-2-3-1, quickly took control of the match, chaining together offensive actions. Despite a well-established Malawi defense at the start of the match, the Senegalese were able to find the fault, opening the score thanks to Pape Gueye in the 35th minute. The young midfielder, well placed in the area, took advantage of a great combination to break the deadlock.
In the second half, the Lions increased the pressure, which quickly paid off. Sadio Mané, true to form, scored the second goal in the 68th minute, followed closely by Boulaye Dia (71st). The offensive spectacle ended with Nicolas Jackson who, author of a brilliant performance throughout the match, sealed Malawi’s fate with a fourth goal.
This victory allows Senegal to return to the level of Burkina Faso in Group L of the qualifications. It is also a strong signal sent by Pape Thiaw, who has successfully completed his baptism of fire as interim coach. The Lions, led by an imperial Kalidou Koulibaly in defense, showed a conquering and promising face for the rest of the competition.
With this brilliant performance, Senegal reaffirms its place among the favorites for the next CAN, while waiting to confirm during the next qualifying matches. Pape Thiaw, for his part, was able to make his mark from this first test, suggesting good prospects for the Lions.
