Senegal were left frustrated after Burkina Faso salvaged a thrilling 1-1 draw in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier on Friday, September 6, at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium.
Ousseni Bouda’s 95th-minute free-kick stunned the home crowd and cancelled out Sadio Mane’s early opener. This dramatic ending will likely have a significant impact on both teams’ journeys toward the 2025 Afcon, making every match in this qualifying campaign even more crucial.
For fans and bettors alike, Afcon qualifiers always provide intense drama, and this clash between Senegal and Burkina Faso was no exception.
The unexpected twist of a late equalizer makes these tournaments unpredictable and exciting. Let’s dive into the key moments, performances, and what this result means for both teams as they look to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sadio Mane’s Early Opener Sets the Tone
The Afcon qualifiers match started with a bang for Senegal, with their talismanic forward Sadio Mane putting them ahead just six minutes into the game.
Mane, who recently joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, capitalized on a defensive error by Burkina Faso. The opposition’s defense failed to clear a dangerous ball, allowing Mane to pounce on the loose ball and slot it past Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi with clinical precision.
Senegal looked confident and dominant after taking the early lead. Mane’s early goal seemed to have put the Lions of Teranga in control of the game, giving them the perfect platform to build on their impressive qualifying form.
Coming off a 1-1 draw against DR Congo and a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Aliou Cisse’s men looked poised to claim all three points.
Senegal’s Dominance in the First Half
For the remainder of the first half, Senegal bossed the game, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and dictating the tempo.
The Lions of Teranga were comfortable in defense, repelling any attacking threats from Burkina Faso while looking dangerous on the break. Mane continued to be the focal point of Senegal’s attacks, alongside young forward Nicolas Jackson and midfield dynamo Pape Sarr.
Despite Senegal’s dominance, they struggled to convert their possession into clear-cut chances. Burkina Faso, while defending deep, tried to claw their way back into the game with counter-attacks, but Senegal’s backline, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, remained resolute.
The home side nearly doubled their lead through Mane once again in the 16th minute, but his shot was well saved by Koffi.
Burkina Faso were finding it difficult to get a foothold in the game, with little attacking presence in the first half. However, the Stallions remained compact and determined to keep the scoreline within reach.
As the half-time whistle blew, Senegal appeared to be cruising, but their inability to add a second goal left the door open for a potential comeback.
Burkina Faso’s Fightback in the Second Half
The second half saw Burkina Faso come out with more attacking intent. While Senegal maintained control of the game, the Stallions gradually began to pose a greater threat.
Burkina Faso’s manager made key tactical adjustments, bringing on fresh legs in attack, with Ousseni Bouda being one of the pivotal substitutes introduced in the final minutes.
Senegal goalkeeper Seny Dieng was called into action multiple times in the second half, with the most notable save coming in the 58th minute when Burkina Faso launched a dangerous attack.
Dieng was forced to make a diving stop to keep Senegal’s lead intact. Another key moment arrived in the 74th minute when Burkina Faso once again came close to scoring, but Dieng was equal to the challenge, making yet another crucial save to deny the visitors.
Despite these moments of pressure, Senegal looked comfortable for much of the second half. They controlled possession but lacked the cutting edge to put the game to bed. Burkina Faso, sensing an opportunity, grew in confidence as the match progressed.
Ousseni Bouda’s Last-Minute Equalizer: A Stunning Free-Kick
Just when it seemed like Senegal had done enough to secure all three points, Burkina Faso earned a free-kick deep into stoppage time.
The stage was set for Ousseni Bouda to deliver one final blow to Senegal’s hopes. Bouda, who had been a key figure for the Stallions in the final minutes, stepped up to take the free-kick.
With the Senegalese crowd anxiously watching, Bouda curled a stunning shot into the top corner of the net, leaving Seny Dieng with no chance.
The 95th-minute equalizer sent shockwaves through the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, silencing the home fans and stunning Senegal’s players. Burkina Faso had snatched a point in dramatic fashion, earning a vital result on the road in their quest to qualify for the 2025 Afcon.
Bouda’s free-kick not only secured a draw for Burkina Faso but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Afcon qualifiers, where every second of the game can change the outcome.
Burkina Faso’s resilience and determination paid off in the most dramatic way possible, leaving Senegal frustrated and disappointed.
Aliou Cisse’s Side Left to Rue Missed Opportunities
For Senegal, the result will feel like two points dropped. Aliou Cisse’s men had been in control for much of the game, but their inability to find a second goal came back to haunt them.
Despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Pape Sarr, Senegal lacked the creativity and ruthlessness needed to finish off their opponents.
Aliou Cisse will likely point to the lack of cutting edge in the final third as a key area for improvement. While Senegal dominated possession, they failed to create enough clear-cut chances to put the game beyond Burkina Faso’s reach.
The result leaves Senegal with work to do in the remaining Afcon qualifiers as they aim to secure their place in the 2025 tournament.
What’s Next for Senegal and Burkina Faso?
For Burkina Faso, the result will provide a huge confidence boost as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Earning a point away to Senegal is a significant achievement, and they will be eager to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
Senegal, meanwhile, will need to regroup and refocus as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of this draw.
The Lions of Teranga remain one of Africa’s top teams, but they will need to rediscover their cutting edge in front of goal if they are to fulfill their potential in both the Afcon qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup campaign.
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Conclusion: A Thrilling Afcon Qualifier with a Dramatic Ending
The 1-1 draw between Senegal and Burkina Faso was a thrilling encounter that showcased the excitement and unpredictability of Afcon qualifiers.
While Senegal looked to be in control for much of the game, Burkina Faso’s late equalizer ensured that both teams left with a point. The result leaves the race for Afcon 2025 qualification wide open and sets the stage for more drama in the matches to come.
