MALAWI DEFEATS BURKINA FASO, SENEGAL GUARANTEED TO FINISH FIRST IN GROUP L

Senegal did not need to set foot on the pitch this Tuesday to confirm its supremacy in Group L of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).

Thanks to Burkina Faso’s heavy defeat against Malawi in Lilongwe (3-0), the Senegal Lions are officially guaranteed to finish at the top of their group, even before their last match against Burundi this Tuesday.

A first place firmly acquired

With 13 points collected in five matches, Pape Thiaw’s men are three steps ahead of the Burkinabé Stallions (10 points). This first place, now unattainable for their competitors, once again illustrates the consistency and domination of Senegal on the African continent. Indeed, this is the fifth consecutive time that the Lions have finished in first place in their group during qualifying for the CAN, a performance that they have maintained flawlessly since 2014.

For Burkina Faso, this 5th day of qualifying turned into a nightmare. Already beaten by Senegal last Thursday in Bamako (1-0), the Stallions hoped to make up for it against Malawi, last in the group and already eliminated. But they foundered on the Lilongwe pitch, conceding three goals from Mhango (28th), Mbulu (57th), and Aaron (62nd).

This severe setback, the second in a row for the Burkinabés, highlights their difficulties in recovering after decisive defeats.

The Lions will approach their final meeting against Burundi this Tuesday at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium with serenity. Already qualified and undefeated in these qualifiers, Kalidou Koulibaly’s teammates will aim to finish on a good note in front of their home crowd, while preserving their invincibility. A victory would also allow them to strengthen their status as favorite for the final phase of CAN 2025.