Senegal: criticism after Kalidou Koulibaly starts against Sudan

The centre-back no longer has unanimous backing

Africa Today at 12:10

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Senegal: criticism after Kalidou Koulibaly starts against Sudan

16.11.26 08:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Sudan

Senegal

Last Thursday, Senegal strengthened their position at the top of Group J in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 4-1 win over Sudan. However, Kalidou Koulibaly’s performance raised questions about his future as a starter.

On their return to the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal dominated Sudan (4-1). But their captain’s evening left some doubts. Starting after being on the bench for the first two rounds of qualifying, Kalidou Koulibaly appeared to be at fault for the opposition’s equaliser.

The incident came in the 45th minute, moments after Nicolas Jackson had opened the scoring (31st minute). Played the ball just outside the penalty area, Sudan captain Mohamed Abuaagla rounded a Koulibaly who was too slow to react, then beat Yehvann Diouf with his right foot. There was also a clear lack of understanding between the defender and his goalkeeper, while Sadibou Sané watched on and failed to move across to cover in the middle.

📸 #KK 🇸🇳 #SENSUD 4-1 🇸🇩 ⚽️ #AFCONQ2027 🌍 https://t.co/ilrqZ5nsGb
— Koulibaly Kalidou (@kkoulibaly26) November 13, 2026

Kalidou Koulibaly too slow for Senegalese fans

The mistake overshadowed Kalidou Koulibaly’s performance. Reactions soon followed. Pundit Rémy Ngono believes the goals conceded in the Lions’ last three or four matches have stemmed from the defender’s mistakes. He considers him too slow and advises him to end his international career, as Édouard Mendy did.

It is worth recalling that, after a 3-2 defeat at the 2026 World Cup, the defender had already come under fire from many supporters. The question is therefore no longer so much about one goal as about the captain’s status, with his place in the starting XI no longer guaranteed.

So, will Kalidou Koulibaly start in tomorrow’s return match against Sudan?

Also read: Nations League: predicted line-ups for the Spain vs England showdown

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.