A First Half Under the Sign of Mastery
The match, initially scheduled for Sunday November 17 but postponed due to the legislative elections, started in a somewhat dull atmosphere, with the stands being far from full. However, on the ground, Pape Thiaw’s men quickly took matters into their own hands.
From the first minutes, the Lions impose their domination with fluid sequences.
• 10th minute: Corner poorly exploited by Idrissa Gana Gueye, sign of a gradual start for the Senegalese.
• 16th minute: Nice combination between Krépin Diatta and Iliman Ndiaye, but the Burundian defense is watching.
• 34th minute: The trigger comes from Kalidou Koulibaly, who breaks the lines with a pass towards Iliman Ndiaye. The latter serves Habib Diarra perfectly, who sends the ball into the back of the net with a surgical strike. A dancing celebration with Iliman delights the few supporters present.
Despite their domination, the Lions failed to increase the score before the break, facing a well-organized but not threatening Burundian team.
A Second Sparkling Period for Habib Diarra
Returning from the locker room, the Lions continue to display their superiority. Pape Thiaw injects new blood with the entry of Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly, and the change quickly bears fruit.
• 50th minute: Sabaly delivers an assist for Habib Diarra, who doubles the lead with a subtle dive, confirming his status as hero of the match.
Thiaw’s strategy, which sees Sabaly swap with Sadio Mané, further energizes the Senegalese game. The Hirondelles, powerless, struggle to break through the defensive block led by Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, a veritable impassable wall.
Management and Tactical Changes
Despite the lead, the Lions maintain the pressure:
• 68th minute: Koulibaly, imperial, gives way to Abdoulaye Seck to preserve his strength.
• 76th minute: Habib Diarra, applauded after his double, gives way to Lamine Camara.
• 86th minute: Pape Matar Sarr, very active, comes out for Pathé Ciss.
These changes allow Senegal to calmly manage the end of the match while providing playing time to several substitutes.
An Impeccable Defensive Performance
In addition to the exploits of Habib Diarra, we must highlight the Senegalese defensive solidity. In 90 minutes, the Burundians only had two shots on target, unable to get around Koulibaly and Diallo. Even in the final minutes, when they were already eliminated, the Hirondelles failed to worry goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
The Lions Confirm Their Superiority
With this clear victory, Senegal ends these qualifiers with 16 points and qualification already acquired for CAN 2025 in Morocco. Habib Diarra, author of a double, and Iliman Ndiaye, brilliant passer, confirmed the excellent mix of experience and youth which characterizes this team.
Direction Morocco!
The Lions, crowned with their status as reigning African champions, present themselves as serious contenders for their own succession in 2025. This victory against Burundi is a new step in their quest for glory. The supporters, although few in number this evening, can already dream of a new coronation in Morocco.
Final score: Senegal 2-0 Burundi. See you at CAN 2025!
