A dominated but sterile first half for the Lions of Teranga in pouring rain (0-0)

From the first minutes, the Senegalese showed their desire to dominate, but the first shot attempts proved clumsy. In 27 minutes of play, Senegal secured no less than six corners, a sign of an intense offensive. On one of these corners, Idrissa Gana Guèye found Moussa Niakhaté, whose header passed just above the Malawi goal.

Despite this constant pressure, finishing is lacking. Sadio Mané tries his luck in the 28th minute, but his shot is blocked. Senegal continues to persist, but the rain-soaked pitch makes movement difficult for the Lions of Teranga, who struggle to chain together offensive actions with fluidity.

A well-placed free kick for Senegal in the 34th minute, again taken by Gana Guèye, also ended up above the goal. Pape Matar Sarr tries to change the situation in the 39th minute, but his shot is off target. A disagreement between Formose Mendy and Gana Guèye on a cross from Sadio Mané in the 42nd minute demonstrates a lack of coordination in the Senegalese ranks.

For their part, the Malawians are on the defensive, but they do not let themselves be defeated and even manage to create a counter opportunity. Their captain tried to break through the Senegalese camp, but without success, his shot going wide of Seny Dieng’s goals.

After 45 minutes of play and three minutes of added time, the score remains 0-0. Despite Senegal’s clear domination, the lack of efficiency in the last gesture prevents the Lions from taking the advantage. The second half promises to be intense as Pape Thiaw will have to find adjustments to realize the many opportunities created.

The difficult weather conditions seem to be weighing on Senegalese performances, but the hope remains that the Teranga Lions will manage to resolve the situation after returning from the locker room.