Senegal Seeks Redemption in Clash with Burkina Faso

Senegal Seeks Redemption in Clash with Burkina Faso

Senegal Seeks Redemption in Clash with Burkina Faso

Senegal is gearing up to leave behind the disappointment of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exit as they kick off their new qualifying campaign against Burkina Faso on September 6, 2024. The match will take place at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium in Dakar, with kickoff scheduled for 9pm CAT.

The Lions of Teranga, as Senegal is known, entered the 2023 AFCON as the defending champions, but their defense of the title ended prematurely. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 by the host nation, Ivory Coast, after a dramatic penalty shootout. Senegal had been mere minutes away from progressing when the Elephants were awarded a controversial penalty, which they converted to push the game into extra time. The subsequent shootout saw Ivory Coast emerge victorious, leaving Senegal heartbroken.

Also Read:

Despite this setback, Senegal has shown resilience in their World Cup qualifying campaign for 2026. They began their journey with a respectable 1-1 draw against DR Congo in June, followed by a narrow 1-0 win over Mauritania just three days later. This victory against Mauritania was their third win in four games, having previously secured back-to-back friendly wins against Gabon (3-0) and Benin (1-0) in March.

On the other hand, Burkina Faso had a less successful AFCON campaign, reaching the Round of 16 before being knocked out by Mali with a 2-1 defeat. Their form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their four AFCON matches. Their struggles continued into March friendlies, where they lost 2-1 to Libya and drew 1-1 with Niger. Their World Cup qualifying efforts have also been underwhelming, as they sit third in Group A after a 2-1 loss to Egypt and a 2-2 draw with Sierra Leone, trailing five points behind the leading Pharaohs.

In terms of key players, Senegal's Nicolas Jackson has been in impressive form for Chelsea, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the Premier League season. Despite limited international appearances, his club performance makes him a crucial figure for the national team. Conversely, Burkina Faso’s Stephane Aziz Ki, an attacking midfielder with Young Africans, has been a standout despite limited opportunities. His contributions were instrumental in his club’s successes in both the Tanzanian Premier League and continental competitions.

Historically, Senegal has had the upper hand in their encounters with Burkina Faso, winning three of their eight meetings, with one win for Burkina Faso and four draws. This track record adds to the confidence that Senegal can secure a victory in this upcoming clash. However, Burkina Faso has demonstrated the ability to score against high-level teams, which suggests that Senegal might face some resistance.

As the two teams prepare for this crucial fixture, the stakes are high. Senegal will be eager to assert their dominance and build momentum for their qualifying campaign, while Burkina Faso will aim to turn their fortunes around and make a significant impact. Fans can expect a competitive match with Senegal likely to edge out as favorites but with Burkina Faso capable of providing a stern challenge.

Read More:

Post a Comment

0 Comments