Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly endured a difficult game after being sent off in their final group game against Benin at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 34-year-old defender, who led Senegal to victory at the 2021 edition of the tournament, was given the marching orders in the 71st minute mark on Tuesday as his outfit cruised to a resounding 3-0 victory over the Squirrels in Group D in Tangier.
Koulibaly was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Aiyegun Tosin, when he stamped on the back of the Benin forward’s ankle with his boot, but it was upgraded to red after a VAR review.
His absence made little difference as Cherif Ndiaye went on to convert a penalty in stoppage time to seal the win as Senegal won Group D, ensuring their stay in Tangier for the first knockout game on Saturday.
The former Napoli and Chelsea star was playing his 100th appearance for the Senegal national team. Unfortunately, the rock-solid defender was giving the marching orders, making him unavailable for the round 16 clash.
His absence for the knockout phase expected to affect Senegal, who chasing their second AFCON title in Morocco.
