Matchday two of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers continued on Monday as AFCON 2021 champions, Senegal, laboured to a slim 1-0 win against Burundi at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.
The Teranga Lions were left frustrated for long periods in a game which they dominated as the Burundi defence stood resolute throughout the match. However, Aliou Cisse’s men eventually got a breakthrough as Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after Sadio Mane was brought down in the box.
Sarr beat inspired Burundi goalkeeper Mattéo Nkurunziza to help Senegal register their first win of the qualifying rounds to send them to the top of Group L with four points, one more than Burundi in second place.
Elsewhere at Stade Adrar, Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz scored a stoppage-time goal for Morocco, as the Atlas Lions maintained their perfect start to the qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Lesotho.
The second-half substitute scored his second goal of the qualifiers to ensure Walid Regragui’s side recorded consecutive wins to go top of Group B, and condemned Lesotho to their second defeat.
Brahim Diaz is inevitable! 🤷
A stoppage time goal to secure all three points for the Atlas Lions. 🇲🇦🦁#AFCONQ2025 | @EnMaroc pic.twitter.com/rH0lS1iKfC
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) September 9, 2024
Meanwhile, the pressure keeps mounting on coach Otto Addo as Ghana’s Black Stars stuttered in their quest for a first win in the qualifiers.
The four-time African champions were held to a 1-1 draw by the Menas of Niger Republic at the Stade Municipal de Berkane after Oumar Sako’s 93rd minute strike cancelled out Alidu Seidu’s 44th minute opener to leave Ghana with just one point from two games as they sit in third place in Group F.
An action packed day of #AFCONQ2025 comes to an end. 🔚
Check out the results.👇 pic.twitter.com/0p38QMhlTB
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) September 9, 2024
Group F leaders Angola secured yet another late win as they defeated Sudan 2-1 to make it six points from two games, consolidating on their matchday one away victory against Ghana.
The Palancas Negras were aided by a penalty from AFCON 2023 breakout star Mabululu and an 81st minute winner from Randy Nteka either side of Mustafa Karshoum’s goal for Sudan at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
Top of their group! 🔝
Angola got the job done this international break. ✅🇦🇴#AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/DJktCO7ZLh
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) September 9, 2024
In other matches played, DR Congo sealed a comfortable 2-0 win over Ethiopia; Madagascar and Comoros settled for a 1-1 draw, while Kodjo Laba’s 95th minute goal ensured Togo shared the spoils with hosts Equatorial Guinea.
