Senegal booked their ticket to CAN 2025 after beating Malawi 1-0 thanks to a last-minute free kick from Sadio Mané. This success allows the Lions to qualify two days before the end of the playoffs.
The match, played in heavy rain in Lilongwe, was difficult for the 2021 African champions. Despite gradual domination, the Senegalese encountered stubborn resistance from Malawi. Kalidou Koulibaly narrowly missed opening the scoring, followed by several chances including two from Sadio Mané, who collapsed after a tackle but was able to continue after treatment.
At the restart, Senegal intensified their pressure but failed to finish. Pape Guèye missed a long shot, while El Hadji Malick Diouf, for his first start, claimed a penalty without success. Seny Dieng, the Senegalese goalkeeper, made a crucial save against a dangerous shot from Mwaungulu.
In the final moments, Senegal were rewarded with Mané’s decisive free kick in the 96th minute, securing victory and qualification. The Lions will participate for the 18th time in a CAN, joining Burkina Faso as qualifiers from Group L. Burundi and Malawi are eliminated, and the next few days will see Senegal face Burkina Faso in a group “final”.
