A Shy Start to the Match and an Absent Audience
The meeting started in a heavy climate, marked by the notable absence of supporters, a striking contrast for a team used to playing in a bustling atmosphere. The first minutes are balanced, with Senegal trying to impose its rhythm but struggling to achieve success.
In the 10th minute, a poorly played corner by Idrissa Gana Gueye, who was trying to combine with Krépin Diatta, illustrates a hesitant start to the match. However, the Lions are gradually showing their intention to dominate by exerting constant pressure on a Burundian team withdrawn in defense.
Promising But Ineffective Combinations
The 16th minute saw a nice combination between Krépin Diatta and Iliman Ndiaye, but their attempt was stopped by the opposing defense. Two minutes later, a clever backheel from Sadio Mané found Habib Diarra on the wing, but his cross found no one in the area.
Senegal multiplies the chances: in the 21st minute, Idrissa Gana Gueye launches Sadio Mané, but the latter is flagged in an offside position. In the 27th minute, Iliman Ndiaye, very active on the right side, tries to serve Chérif Ndiaye, but the latter misses his control, letting a great opportunity slip away.
Habib Diarra Unblocks the Situation
The Senegalese efforts finally paid off in the 33rd minute. Kalidou Koulibaly, imperial in defense, breaks the lines with a precise pass for Iliman Ndiaye. The latter shifts Habib Diarra, who adjusts an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. The young midfielder celebrates his first goal with a triumphant dance, accompanied by Iliman, in the corner of the field.
This goal rewards the domination of the Lions, who then try to suck the Burundians out of their camp with quick and precise passing sequences.
Senegal in Control Despite Some Flaws
At the end of the first half, the Lions maintained the pressure. However, Habib Diarra received a yellow card in the 40th minute for obstruction. Just before the break, Sadio Mané tries a lobbed pass to surprise the Burundian defense, but the ball is too long.
The Burundians, overwhelmed by the Senegalese pressure, are struggling to develop their game. They have rarely approached Édouard Mendy's cages, proof of the solid defensive mastery of the Lions.
Dominant Lions But Caution Required
At the break, Senegal logically leads 1-0. Habib Diarra, Iliman Ndiaye, Krépin Diatta and Idrissa Gana Gueye stood out for their activity and their impact on the game. However, the margin remains narrow, and the Lions will have to be wary of a possible burst of Burundian pride in the second half .
Senegal showed promising signs, but more chances will need to be converted to avoid a stressful end to the match. See you in 45 minutes to see if the Lions will manage to confirm their superiority and seal their victory!
