Burundi vs Senegal Preview & Prediction | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group L
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Burundi are supposedly one of the weakest teams in the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage qualifiers but they began with an entertaining win against Malawi, whilst Senegal were held to a frustrating draw against Burkina Faso.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 8th September, 2024 - UK – 2:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – beIN Sports streaming platforms
BURUNDI PREVIEW: SCORING GOALS
Coached by Etienne Ndayiragije and captained by former West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahini, the Burundi national team began the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game with a dramatic victory in a topsy turvy encounter against Malawi.
Burundi took the lead via a 22nd minute Chimwemwe Idana own goal before Malawi soon equalised through Chawanangwa Kawonga but Burundi were back ahead in the 33rd minute. Lanjesi Nkhoma equalised again in the 75th minute but Burundi snatched the win late on.
SENEGAL PREVIEW: POTENTIALLY FADING
Former Birmingham City and Portsmouth midfielder Aliou Cisse remains in charge of the Senegalese national team, as he has been since 2015. That time has seen them qualify for back-to-back FIFA World Cups and win their first ever AFCON title in 2021.
However, there may be a concern that the emerging talent in Senegal is not up to much with Cisse loyal to similar players throughout his tenure and that staleness was on show in a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in Dakar the other day.
BURUNDI TEAM NEWS: COUPLE OF ISSUES
There are a couple of injury issues for Burundi to deal with as Abdallah Sudi and Claus Niyukuru are unavailable but they should remain unchanged after their victory the other day.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Nkurunziza; Manirakoze, Nsabiyumva, Ndiayishimiye, Musore; Moussa Madjaliwa, Mossi; Kanakimana, Ntibazonkiza, Girumugisha; Shabani
UNAVAILABLE: Niyukuru (Injured), Sudi (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
SENEGAL TEAM NEWS: FINDING FRESHNESS
The likelihood is that Cisse and Senegal remain stubborn and play off the frustration against Burkina Faso as simply playing against a wily and solid side.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Dieng; Diarra, Seck, Koulibaly, Diallo; P. Sarr, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
BURUNDI VS SENEGAL PREDICTION
Burundi have proven themselves to be quite an entertaining side even in the absence of the aforementioned Berahino. Three goals against a defensively resolute Malawi side is not to be sniffed at. They are now coming up against a Senegalese side that are among the best sides on the continent, albeit trying to work things out in attack. That said, we could actually end up with quite a fun and high-scoring affair, albeit Senegal remain firm favourites.
BURUNDI VS SENEGAL TIP: SENEGAL TO WIN & OVER 2.5 GOALS
