Both Pape Matar Sarr’s Senegal, and Yves Bissouma’s Mali, had already secured qualification for next years Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Senegal had wrapped up qualification in October, whilst Mali did so with their win over Mozambique at the end of last week. Nevertheless, both sides had one game to play to complete their campaigns.
Spurs midfielder's sides put gloss on their qualifications
To begin, Bissouma was named in the starting XI by manager Tom Saintfiet, even though qualification, and top spot in the group were already confirmed. The Spurs midfielder usually plays as more of a number ten for his country, though in this game was deployed deeper, playing in a double pivot.
Despite this deeper role, Bissouma still managed to register another assist, having done so last week too, after just 17 minutes of the game here. By half-time, Mali were 4-0 up, and absolutely cruising. Owing to this dominance, Saintfiet gave Bissouma some rest, by taking his skipper off at half-time. Mali would go onto win the game 6-0, finishing their qualifying campaign in absolute style.
Mali finished their group with 14 points from six games, and whilst it took a while, their qualification never looked in doubt. They will now look to World Cup qualifying, with their campaign to reach the 2026 World Cup beginning in March. Bissouma’s side have never qualified for the World Cup finals before, and he will no doubt be dreaming of being the first captain to ever lead them there.
As for Senegal, Sarr was back in the starting XI, having been a late substitute in their win over Burkina Faso last time out. It was another brilliant performance from the midfielder, playing 87 minutes of the game, and recording; 76 touches, 52/57 passes, two shots on target, two shots blocked, 1/1 succesful dribble attempts. 8/13 ground duels won, 1/1 aerial duels won, one foul drawn, three interceptions, and six tackles in an all round display.
Senegal finish their qualifying campaign with 16 points from six games – recording five wins on the bounce after a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso got the ball rolling. Like with Mali, attention will now turn to World Cup qualifying in the months before the Africa Cup of Nations finals at the end of the year. Sarr’s side reached the last 16 of the last World Cup in Qatat, before being knocked out by England.
Both players international breaks are now done, and they will return to Hotspur Way in preparation for the game at Manchester City this weekend.