Senegal And Burundi will face off in their final match of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Tuesday.

The clash will not affect the qualification status of either team as the hosts have already secured their spot at the tournament, while the visitors are now mathematically unable to qualify.

Match example

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Having already secured a place at the 2025 AFCON in the last international window following their victory over Malawi, Senegal had nothing but pride and the top spot to play for when they took the field last Thursday against Burkina Faso, who also had their booked a place.

Both teams were level on 10 points heading into the match, with the Lions of Teranga in second place due to poorer goal difference – but by the end of the 90 minutes Dad ThiawA 1-0 win over Burkina Faso saw the men rise to the top of the group Mouhamadou Diarra‘s goal in the 83rd minute.

Ensuring they retain this spot will be the aim when they play Burundi at home on Tuesday. They go into the match knowing that a draw would be enough to achieve that.

Thiaw is expected to give fringe players a chance in this match, but he is expected to field a team strong enough to ensure the Lions of Teranga maintain their 100% record against opponents of Tuesday, after winning all three previous meetings.

Furthermore, Senegal will look to maintain its admirable record of not losing a match after 90 minutes since September 2023, when it lost 1-0 to Algeria in an international friendly, a run that has been going on for seventeen games. the last four of which were victories.

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Burundi started their AFCON qualifying campaign on September 5 with a 3-2 win over Malawi, but things have since turned sour with Les Hirondelles failing to win the four matches that followed.

A 1-0 defeat to Senegal was followed by back-to-back defeats to Burkina Faso in October’s double-header, ultimately ending hopes of a second AFCON appearance at next year’s edition.

Patrick Sangwa‘s men finally ended their three-match losing streak with a goalless draw against Malawi last Thursday, but their winless run stretched to four games.

Ironically, Burundi’s only win came in this AFCON qualifying campaign, but securing a positive result in Senegal will be a huge task for the East Africans who lost 3-1 on their only visit there in 2015.

Senegal Africa Cup of Nations Qualification format:

Senegal form (all competitions):

Burundi Africa Cup of Nations Qualification format:

Burundi format (all competitions):

Team news

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Former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has scored three goals for Senegal in this competition and is expected to get another chance to add to his tally, even though a second-tier side is usually expected.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson could also start and will get another chance to add to the only goal he has scored so far, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and that of Crystal Palace Ismaila Sarr also in the battle to maintain their place in the attack.

Nice defender Youssouf Ndayishimiye played in midfield during the tie between Burundi and Malawi, and is expected to continue in that role on Tuesday.

Pacifique Niyongabire He led the line last time, but he could be dropped from the starting line-up for a while Hussein Shabani.

Senegal possible starting line-up:
E Mendy; F. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; P Sarr, Gueye, Camara; I Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane; Jackson

Possible basic setup for Burundi:
Nahimana; Kanamakani, Moussa, Nsabiyumva, Nduwarugira, Liongola; Muderi, Ndayishimiye, Moussa, Girumugisha; Shabani

We say: Senegal 2-0 Burundi

Even if Senegal decides not to field their strongest XI on Tuesday, we believe they have enough quality to cruise to victory against a side lacking in quality such as Burundi. That’s why we predict a win for the home team.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match, click here.

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