Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has confirmed his captain Kalidou Koulibaly is only suspended for their round of 16 clash against Sudan after receiving the marching orders 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 sent off 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.
However, Pape Thiaw has confirmed his captain is only suspend for their last 16 clash against Sudan this weekend.
This means the defender will return to action for the Taranga Lions if they are able to progress to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
“Kalidou Koulibaly will be suspended for only the next match” he said during a press conference”
The former Napoli and Chelsea star unfortunately received the marching orders in 100th appearance for the Senegal national team.
His absence for the knockout phase is expected to affect Senegal, who chasing their second AFCON title in Morocco.
