EDOUARD MENDY (5/10): Rating a goalkeeper can be tricky, especially when he has little to do. Back after missing the match against Burkina Faso, the Al-Ahli keeper had a quiet afternoon, aside from a free kick he easily caught in the 6th minute. He helped in building play with his foot but had a scare when he challenged Girumugisha in the second half. Thankfully, the Burundian was off target.

FORMOSE MENDY (5.5/10): As a right-back, the Lorient defender did his job defensively in the first half. However, he struggled a bit more in the second half with Girumugisha’s introduction, though he didn’t suffer any major consequences, except for one incident that Lamine Camara extinguished in the 49th minute. Perhaps at his coach’s request, he was less involved offensively. Overall, a solid performance from the other Mendy.

KALIDOU KOULIBALY (5.5/10): Unlike his performance against Burkina Faso, where he had many shaky moments, the Lions’ captain was not troubled by the Burundian attackers. In the few situations he faced, he handled them well. However, we would have liked to see more initiative in his passing, as he has the capability.

MOUSSA NIAKHATE (6/10): Selected over Abdou Diallo for this match, the Lyon central defender delivered a strong performance for the Lions, which should help him regain confidence at OL. He was diligent in his defensive interventions, making some key interceptions, and contributed well to ball distribution, including a nice pass to Mané in the 22nd minute.

ISMAIL JAKOBS (4.5/10): He started strongly with an authoritative challenge against Saidi Ntibazonkiza but could have scored in the 4th minute with better execution. The new left-back for Galatasaray saw plenty of the ball in the first half but failed to exploit the spaces to threaten the Burundian defense. He took the set pieces early on but lacked precision. He was substituted in the 90+2 minute due to an injury, which doesn’t bode well for him.

PAPE GUEYE (6.5/10): Right from the start, the Villarreal player aimed to make his presence felt. In midfield, the former Marseille player recovered several balls and his ability to push forward was crucial for Senegal’s play. His pass to Ismaila Sarr in the 43rd minute created offensive opportunities and often accelerated the game. His left-footed volley from a Habib Diallo header in the 81st minute almost led to his second international goal.

IDRISSA GUEYE (5/10): Unlike his two midfield partners, the Everton player was closer to the Senegalese defense. Like in previous matches, he was vital for his team. Very active in recovery, he often set up his teammates with his passing ability. He was replaced in the 61st minute by Iliman Ndiaye (not rated), who made a notable impact with a brilliant solo run in the 75th minute, denied only by a great save from the Burundian keeper. We expect more from him.

LAMINE CAMARA (6/10): Back in the starting lineup, the AS Monaco midfielder was tasked with building play. Initially timid and often late in his interventions, committing three fouls in the first half hour, the former Metz player gradually improved, especially after halftime, while also fulfilling his defensive duties (49th minute). With bolder passing, he effectively quickened Senegal’s play and frequently put his teammates in good positions. He was substituted in the 90+2 minute by Pape Matar Sarr (not rated).

ISMAILA SARR (7/10): There is always a demand for more from the new Crystal Palace forward, but the former OM player played his role well against Burundi. Despite being positioned in a less favorable role, he consistently made efforts and created chances from his side. He nearly forced an own goal from Youssouf Ndayishimiye, but the ball had crossed the line before his cross. Although he wasn’t supposed to take the penalty if Mané had stayed on the pitch, he stepped up confidently against Mattéo Nkurunziza.

NICOLAS JACKSON (3/10): In his battle for a spot with Habib Diallo and Boulaye Dia, the Chelsea forward didn’t make a strong case at the forefront of Senegal’s attack during this gathering. After a glaring miss against Burkina Faso, he squandered another golden opportunity against Burundi (46th minute), although he initiated the play with a cross to Sadio Mané. Starved of chances, he only touched the ball 22 times. Despite his efforts, Nico Jackson didn’t seem free and will need to keep pushing for his first international goal. He was replaced in the 61st minute by Habib Diallo (not rated), who brought more dynamism to the attack.

SADIO MANE (6/10): Very active on the attack, the Al-Nassr player was a bit chaotic and imprecise at the start of the match. However, he later caused significant problems for the Burundian defense with his hybrid positioning. After being denied by the opposing keeper in the 22nd minute, he earned the winning penalty. We also appreciated some of his crosses, including one for Ismaila Sarr at the end of the first half. He was substituted in the 90th minute by Abdallah Sima (not rated).