Senegal is a match away from Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 title after their semi-final victory on Sunday but will be without key defender Kalidou Koulibaly against Algeria in Friday’s final.
The composed centre back, who is regarded among the best in European club football, picked a second yellow card in three matches after conceding a penalty in Sunday’s 1-0 semi-final win over Tunisia in Cairo.
Koulibaly’s booking resulted from a handball inside the box which blocked a goal-bound shot by Ferjani Sassi.
Koulibaly through his official Twitter handle, admitted it is painful to miss the final, he is however confident his teammates will rise to the occasion.
“It’s a final that brings joy to our people and we as players are proud of it. However, it pains me because I will not be able to play. But I will be by the side of my brothers in making history,” read the Tweet.
The Napoli centre-back will surely be missed considering that he is one of the key figures in Senegal’s squad.
“It’s a shame we will be without Kalidou, he’s vital in this team, a player who gives us a lot. We will also be playing for him,” midfielder Pape Alioune Ndiaye told reporters after the extra-time triumph at the 30 June Stadium.
Senegal will be hoping for their first African Cup title after 54 years of trying.
This will be the second time the Lions of Tiranga will participate in the AFCON final after the 2002 edition in which they lost to Cameroon.
