Preview: Malawi vs. Senegal – AFCON Qualifying Match Preview

Senegal faces Malawi as they seek to clinch their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, requiring only one victory for confirmation. Malawi, situated at the bottom of their qualifying group, must win to maintain their slim hopes of advancement. Following a strong 4-0 defeat of Malawi last week, Senegal is in good form, while Malawi’s struggles persist, having lost four consecutive matches. Team news indicates key players for both sides, and the match outcome is heavily favoring Senegal.

In a crucial clash set for Tuesday at the Bingu National Stadium, Malawi will face Senegal, who require just one more victory to secure their progression to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Malawian squad, on the other hand, must triumph to sustain their slender hopes of advancing in Africa’s premier football tournament. Senegal recently rebounded from a goal-scoring slump, achieving a commanding 4-0 victory over Malawi at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade, marking an impressive start for caretaker manager Pape Thiaw following the controversial departure of Aliou Cisse. The team has now enjoyed a solid run, with consecutive wins marking their first such feat since January. Senegal remains undefeated in their last seven competitive matches, winning five and drawing two while allowing only two goals and securing five clean sheets in that span. With Burkina Faso having already clinched their AFCON spot, Senegal looks to mirror their West African counterparts with a win on Tuesday. Conversely, Malawi has faced significant challenges, suffering four consecutive losses and failing to earn any points in their three AFCON qualification matches. Currently languishing at the bottom of Group L, Malawi’s hopes for AFCON participation hinge on a turnaround against Senegal. The squad’s defense has been notably porous, conceding ten goals— the most among qualifying teams— indicating a pressing need for improved defensive solidity. In terms of team news, Senegal will be looking to continue their success led by players such as Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson, while Malawi’s goalkeeper Brighton Munthali is ineligible after receiving a red card in the prior match. This creates an opportunity for George Chikooka to step into the starting position for Malawi. Given their present form and player quality, Senegal is favored to secure a decisive win.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international football tournament in Africa, held every two years and featuring the continent’s top national teams. The upcoming edition in 2025 is highly anticipated, with countries competing for qualification through a series of regional qualifying matches. Senegal, one of the continent’s top teams, aims to solidify their place in the tournament and capitalize on their recent form, while Malawi’s struggles reflect a need for tactical restructuring and defensive improvement as they seek a spot in the tournament.

In conclusion, the impending match between Malawi and Senegal crucially impacts both teams’ AFCON aspirations. Senegal, riding a wave of form and confidence, is expected to dominate, while Malawi must rectify their defensive issues if they hope to salvage their campaign. With Senegal’s depth of talent and Malawi’s recent struggles, the outcome appears skewed in favor of the visitors, who are anticipated to emerge victorious.

Original Source: www.sportsmole.co.uk