The CAN 2025 begins this Friday for the Lions with the reception of Burkina Faso (19:00 GMT), a big piece in peril, at the Stade Abdoulaye-Wade, as part of the qualifications. After two last mixed outings, Aliou Cissé’s men would be well inspired to win to find new momentum.
To begin with, never, in almost ten years of Aliou Cissé’s mandate, the Senegal National Team has not yet suffered a single defeat in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers (19 wins, 5 draws in 24 matches). This Friday evening, from 19:00 GMT, it is the start of the new season for the Lions, coinciding with the fifth qualifying campaign in CAN since the arrival of El Tactico. The objective for Kalidou Koulibaly’s partners, therefore, is to start these qualifiers against Burkina Faso on the right foot in order to properly start the race towards Morocco.
Finding more serenity when faced with an opponent who is losing confidence
Yes, at the moment of welcoming the Stallions in this group L which saw Burundi go to win (3-2) in Malawi this Thursday, it is also the occasion for the Lions to find more serenity. Held in check by the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), at home, then barely victorious in Mauritania during their last two meetings, the 2022 African champions do not approach this meeting with a capital of confidence. It is true, they remain on four matches without defeat (3 wins, 1 draw), but the result since the CAN 2023 and the elimination in the 8th against the Ivory Coast remains to be desired.
On the other hand, if the Lions can still boast of being on a series of matches without defeat, their future opponent is in a more uncomfortable situation. Indeed, Burkina Faso has not won for six matches (4 defeats, 2 draws). Brama Traoré is still looking for the key, but does not seem far from finding it. “The boys are aware that the team has had some small difficulties in recent moments, a crossing of the desert but we are at the end of the tunnel. Things are going very well. The atmosphere is finally good within the group”, acknowledged the Burkinabe coach at a press conference.
The Sadio Mané attraction
With a defensive sector with high potential and where all the vital forces are available, the Lions have a boulevard in front of them and will especially be able to count on an attacking line with exceptional potential and led by Sadio Mané. The Al-Nassr striker is back, after missing, on the field, the last gathering. A gathering during which he will have made people talk with his criticism of the game system of his coach. If he is well on his way to playing again in this 3-4-3, the former Liverpool player will be keen to confirm his status by shining in front of the Senegalese public.
The first games of the season have not been easy for Sadio Mané, whose importance in Luis Castro’s system at Al-Nassr had been questioned by his club’s supporters, some even wanting him to leave during the transfer window. But fortunately, as always, the Bambali native has reversed opinion. Although he has not yet scored this season, he seemed to have regained his aura in his last two games, punctuated by two assists. It is therefore a leader in full possession of his means that Aliou Cissé has recovered for this gathering.
wiwsport.com
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