An injury-time goal from Sadio Mane secured Senegal’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), while Angola, DR Congo, and Egypt have also advanced to the finals with two matches remaining.
The Teranga Lions were on the verge of a goalless draw away to Malawi when Mane, the former Liverpool star now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, scored in the 96th minute in Lilongwe.
Senegal now sit on 10 points in Group L, alongside Burkina Faso, and both West African nations have secured their spots at the 2025 Nations Cup in Morocco.
The 2021 Afcon winners progressed despite parting company with long-serving coach Aliou Cisse earlier this month.
There were surprises elsewhere on Tuesday as reigning continental champions Ivory Coast fell to a shock 1-0 loss away against Sierra Leone while Ghana are on the brink of elimination after defeat by Sudan.
Did you read this?
The Black Stars remain third in Group F with just two points from four games, and qualification is now out of their hands.
The West Africans now need to win their remaining games against Angola and Niger next month and hope that Sudan, who currently have seven points, lose both of theirs.
The final two rounds of qualifiers are set for next month, while the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will begin on December 21, 2025, with the final scheduled for January 18, 2026.