AFCON: Senegal captain Koulibaly speaks after expulsion vs Benin

Senegal advanced as Group D winners to the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday but captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s red card dampened the celebrations following a 3-0 victory over Benin in the Lions of Teranga’s group stage finale.

100° presenza ed espulsione per #Koulibaly🇸🇳😱

La centesima partita in Nazionale dell’ex #Napoli Kalidou Koulibaly termina in modo amaro: il capitano del #Senegal viene espulso al 71’ dopo la revisione al Var dell’arbitro, che aveva inizialmente dato il cartellino giallo. pic.twitter.com/uuk5WH46Fc

— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) December 30, 2025

The veteran defender’s clumsy challenge on Benin forward Tosin Aiyegun came as an unwelcome surprise to head coach Pape Thiaw after the victory was well in hand.

Fortunately, Senegal came close but did not slip to second place in the group to DR Congo or the Lions would have been matched up against Algeria in the Round of 16. Instead of facing a dangerous opponent in the form of the North Africans, it appears that they will likely face Sudan to begin the knockout stages.

“I have no fear! You know, we wear the jersey, but it doesn’t belong to anyone but the people. The jersey belongs to these players who are here! Whether it’s me playing or someone else, the most important thing is that we give 100%, that we do everything to win. Today, I’d rather Senegal win and I’m not on the pitch than anything else, and I have complete faith in this group…I have complete faith in my players,” the captain and central defender said to Wiwsport after the match.

Receiving his 100th cap for the Lions on Tuesday, Koulibaly elected to focus on the achievement of the team and his faith in his teammates rather than dwell on his expulsion and suspension: “As you saw today, it was Abdoulaye Seck who unlocked the situation and he had a fantastic match – Mamadou Sarr also made a very good entrance. Whether in central defense or elsewhere, I think we have the ability to play a great match. But the most important thing is that Senegal has qualified, but every match is different.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FSF (@fsfofficielle)

The champions of the 2021 edition will know their opponents after the group stage concludes on Wednesday. Sudan awaits unless the Falcons defeat Burkina Faso, in which case it will be an all-West African clash on January 3 in Tangier.

Midfielder Lamine Camara is another potential casualty from Tuesday’s match. The Monaco player picked up an ankle injury and it remains to be seen what his status will be on Saturday.

But the mood in the Lions of Teranga camp remains one of determination with a clear objective to win the competition. Coach Thiaw emphasized calmness and warned against complacency while veteran midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye called on his team to be more efficient when scoring opportunities come their way.

With a path the final that does not include hosts and tournament favorites Morocco, it appears the belief is strong for the Senegalese who remain focused on the next opponent and nothing else.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.