Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has described their landmark victory over England as one of the most significant moments in the nation’s football history, likening it to their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations title.
The 3–1 friendly win at the City Ground on Tuesday night marked the first time an African country had defeated England at senior level.
Despite falling behind to a Harry Kane goal, the Teranga Lions responded emphatically with strikes from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Cheikh Sabaly to seal a memorable comeback.
Koulibaly, who marshalled the defence with composure and leadership, was effusive in his assessment of the result, noting its symbolic and sporting significance.
The 33-year-old centre-back has been central to Senegal’s rise on the global stage, captaining the side during their first-ever continental title win at the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the final whistle, Koulibaly said: “Fantastic night. We knew we could do something in this game. It was a tough game, but we showed our personality and showed we can play at this level.”
He further added: “It is fantastic. We are not used to making history and we made it when we won AFCON, and we made it tonight.”
The former Napoli and Chelsea defender emphasised that the team’s ambitions go beyond single results: “We want to continue writing the story of Senegal. We wanted to show we have a good nation.”
The result is likely to fuel belief within the Senegalese camp ahead of major international tournaments. For Koulibaly and his teammates, the win not only defied the odds but underscored Africa’s growing competitiveness in international football.
It was a performance that blended resilience, tactical maturity, and clinical execution—hallmarks of a side determined to extend its legacy beyond continental success.
