Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly sent off in 100th appearance, will miss last 16 game at Africa Cup
Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly is shown a red card during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Benin and Senegal in Tangier, Morocco, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. Credit: AP/Themba Hadebe
TANGIER, Morocco — Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss his side’s Africa Cup of Nations last 16 match after getting sent off in his 100th appearance for the team.
The 34-year-old Koulibaly, who led Senegal to victory at the 2021 edition of the tournament, was sent off Tuesday in the 71st minute of a 3-0 win over Benin in Group D in Tangier.
Koulibaly was initially shown a yellow card for his foul 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 it stays in Tangier for its first knockout game on Saturday against a third-place finisher from Groups B, E or F.
More soccer news
