The Senegalese national team's coaching staff received a painful blow a few days before the final scene of the continental tournament, as it was officially confirmed that the captain of the "Lions of Teranga" and defender of the Saudi Al-Hilal club, Kalidou Koulibaly , will be absent from the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations currently being held in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Details of the suspension and its impact on Senegal
The absence of Senegal's defensive rock was confirmed after he received a yellow card during yesterday's epic semi-final against Egypt in Tangier. Due to this accumulation of yellow cards, Coulibaly will be unable to lead his country's defense in the crucial match, leaving the coach with a tactical dilemma: finding a replacement with similar experience and leadership qualities in the back line.
Senegal's losses were not limited to the captain, but extended to the midfield, as Habib Diarra for the same reason, after receiving his second yellow card in the tournament during the same match against the Pharaohs, which imposes additional challenges on the lineup of the title holder or the aspiring champion.
Echoes of the thrilling semi-final
The Senegalese national team had secured its place in the final with great difficulty after a high-level tactical match against the Egyptian national team, decided by the team's star player Sadio Mane with a decisive goal in the 78th minute. This match is an extension of the fierce rivalry between the two teams in recent years, as Egypt-Senegal matches are often characterized by competitiveness and strong physical challenges that resulted in these impactful warnings.
A fiery final in Rabat
All eyes of football fans will be on the Moroccan capital, Rabat, next Sunday, as it hosts the dream final between the Moroccan national team (the host nation) and their Senegalese counterparts. This match is of paramount importance, as the Atlas Lions seek to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to claim the coveted continental title, while the Senegalese aim to reaffirm their continental dominance despite some key absences.
Egypt is aiming for bronze
On the other hand, after the dream of reaching the final was halted, the Egyptian national team will head to play the third and fourth place match, where they will face the strong Nigerian team in the match to compete for the bronze medal, in an attempt to appease the fans and return with an honorable position from Moroccan soil.
