Senegal wrapped up their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign in commanding style, securing a 2-0 win over Burundi on Tuesday night at the Diamniadio Stadium. The standout performer of the evening was 20-year-old Habib Diarra, who netted both goals to ensure the Lions finished at the top of Group L with 16 points from six matches.

Senegal controlled the game from the start, holding over 70% possession in the first 15 minutes. However, their early dominance didn’t translate into goals until the 35th minute, when Diarra, assisted by Iliman Ndiaye, chipped the ball delicately over Burundian goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana to give Senegal the lead.

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Diarra almost doubled the lead moments later, but Nahimana was quick to save his low shot. The Strasbourg midfielder made up for that miss early in the second half, finding the back of the net again with a fine chip from Cheick Sabaly’s assist. Despite Sadio Mané’s efforts, including a powerful header that was brilliantly saved, the scoreline remained 2-0, and Senegal finished the qualifying campaign unbeaten.

The victory saw Senegal confirm their spot as one of the tournament’s strongest teams, heading into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a perfect record.

Meanwhile, Malawi secured a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their final Group L match at the Bingu National Stadium on Monday, delivering a stunning performance. Despite the win, Malawi ended the qualifiers in fourth place in the group due to an inferior goal difference.

Malawi had struggled throughout the campaign, failing to secure a win in their previous 10 AFCON qualifiers, but they found their rhythm against Burkina Faso. Gabadinho Mhango broke the deadlock with a remarkable long-range strike in the 28th minute, giving the Flames a 1-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Richard Mbulu doubled the lead with a precise header in the 57th minute. Lloyd Aaron sealed the win in the 62nd minute, scoring from close range after a slick team move. Despite a late header from Burkina Faso’s Issoufou Dayo, the Stallions couldn’t break down Malawi’s defense.

Although Burkina Faso had already secured their qualification before the match, this loss highlighted areas for improvement ahead of the tournament in Morocco. Despite finishing second in the group with 10 points, Burkina Faso will need to sharpen their play before AFCON kicks off.

Final Group L Standings:
1. **Senegal** – 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses)
2. **Burkina Faso** – 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)
3. **Burundi** – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses)
4. **Malawi** – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses)