XALIMANEWS-This Tuesday in Lilongwe, the ultra-dominant and quite pleasant Lions won against the Flames (0-1) and validated their qualification for CAN 2025 which will take place in Morocco.
Eager to win the clash to qualify for the next CAN and imitate Burkina with the possibility of taking first place in the group, the Lions approached the match with their feet on the floor. Ultra-dominant, the Senegalese selection created many opportunities without finding the fault. Malawi was able to resist in the first 45 minutes, with its weapons, valor and collective solidarity in addition to a good William Thole in goal.
In the second period, the 2022 African champions started on the same basis with Sadio Mané as leader of the squad. The Al Nassr player, who was the most active Senegalese in the first half, almost opened the scoring (60th). Wanting to materialize the domination of his team through goals, Lions coach Pape Thiaw will make four changes, Ilman Ndiaye, Pape Gueye, Ismaila Sarr and Habib Diallo, will replace Habib Diarra, Gana Gueye, Boulaye Dia and Nicolas Jackson . These latter entries will bring new life to the Lions. We had to wait until the 70th minute to see Seyni Dieng, who had been quiet until then, threatened by a superb strike from Patrick Mwangulu. The Senegal goalkeeper, a little advanced, will deploy at full length to divert the players’ strike from the Flames. Despite their lack of realism, the Senegalese continue to push, and Sadio Mané after a good movement escapes the opposing defense but misses the target. Malawi falters but does not fall. Senegal in its prime pushes and pushes. But on the other hand we resist. The opportunities continue to rain for Kalidou Koulibaly’s partners. After 11 corners against 1 for Malawi, Senegal still cannot find the fault. 3 minutes from the end, Sadio Mané, very strong, runs towards the opposing goals before being caught by an opposing defender who clears for a corner, Senegal’s twelfth. As we moved towards the end of the match, Sadio Mané will deliver the Lions. After a free kick that he obtained, Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner will score on a master free kick (90th + 6, 0-1). Senegal logically wins and validates its qualification for the CAN, with 10 points (+6) behind Burkina Faso (1st, 10 pts +7).
With 615 successful passes, 75% possession and 13 corners to 1, the Lions well deserved their victory. A defeat not too expensive for the Flames who could have taken a bowl
