Burkina Faso and Senegal will square off at the Stade du 26 Mars on Thursday in a pivotal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
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Both teams are unbeaten in their opening four matches and are locked at the top of Group L, with a six-point lead over third-placed Burundi. This clash will decide who takes the lead in the race for AFCON 2025, with both nations eyeing the top spot.
Burkina Faso enters this match on a high, having secured a 2-0 win over Burundi in October, with goals from Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore. The Stallions have been impressive in their recent form, winning three consecutive qualifiers, scoring nine goals and conceding just twice.
The victory over Burundi was the second in a double-header, following a dominant 4-1 win in the first leg, where Dango Ouattara scored a brace. However, Burkina Faso has struggled against Senegal in past meetings, failing to defeat the Lions of Teranga in their last six encounters, with four draws and two losses since a 1-0 win in 2006.
Senegal, on the other hand, comes into this match with a perfect record in their last three games, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Malawi in October. Sadio Mane’s last-minute goal secured the win, and Senegal will be hoping for another clutch performance from their star forward. The Lions of Teranga have been solid defensively, securing two back-to-back 1-0 wins in their October qualifiers, but they will need to be more clinical in front of goal against a resilient Burkina Faso side. Senegal sits second in the standings, tied on points with Burkina Faso but trailing due to goal difference.
Team News:
Burkina Faso will be relying on their experienced captain, Bertrand Traore, who has been in excellent form with 21 goals in 80 international caps. He will lead the attack alongside the talented Dango Ouattara and Lassina Traore, with the defensive line featuring Issa Kabore, Issoufou Dayo, Edmond Tapsoba, and Mohamed Ouedraogo. Farid Ouedraogo will guard the goal.
Senegal, under the guidance of interim coach Pape Thiaw, has been dominant with a 100% record since his appointment. The squad boasts several high-profile players, including Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Edouard Mendy, returning from injury, will be in goal, with defensive stalwarts Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhate shielding him. In attack, Mane will once again be the focal point, supported by Ismaila Sarr, Boulaye Dia, and Bamba Dieng.
Possible Lineups:
Burkina Faso: F. Ouedraogo; Kabore, Dayo, Tapsoba, M. Ouedraogo; Simpore, Banse, I. Toure; B. Traore, L. Traore, D. Ouattara
Senegal: E. Mendy; F. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; P. Sarr, Gueye, Camara; I. Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane; Jackson
The last three encounters between these two teams have produced 10 goals in total, and Thursday’s match promises to be just as exciting. Burkina Faso will aim to extend their perfect start, but Senegal’s depth and experience, combined with their attacking prowess, make them slight favorites to come out on top in this highly anticipated clash.
With both teams desperate to secure top spot in the group, we expect a tightly contested match. While Burkina Faso has proven tough to break down, Senegal’s quality and depth should give them the edge in this encounter. Expect an intense battle as both sides aim to continue their impressive run in the qualifiers.
