Kalidou Koulibaly Earns First Senegal Call-Up for AFCON 2017 Qualifier Against Namibia
Senegal have officially unveiled their squad for the upcoming 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia, set for September 5 in Windhoek, and the big headline is the first-ever call-up of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The 24-year-old centre-back, who has been on the radar of the French national team, has now committed his international future to Senegal. Born in France and previously active in the Belgian league before joining Napoli, Koulibaly’s decision to represent the Lions of Teranga marks a significant reinforcement for coach Aliou Cissé’s side.
Also returning to the squad are goalkeeper Lys Gomis and striker Diafra Sakho, both of whom had been out of the national team picture in recent months.
However, there are some notable absentees. Demba Ba, currently in top form with Shanghai Shenhua in China, and Moussa Sow, the former Lille forward now in the UAE, have both been left out of the selection.
Senegal began their qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Burundi in June and currently top Group K. A win in Windhoek would strengthen their position and bring them a step closer to qualification for the finals in Gabon.
The squad announcement reflects coach Cissé’s continued effort to blend youth with experience and to bolster the team defensively—especially with the addition of a player like Koulibaly, who brings Serie A pedigree and Champions League experience to Senegal’s back line.
