Koulibaly's 1st int'l goal sends SEN to last 16

Kalidou Koulibaly sends Senegal to Round of 16 with first-ever international goal - Video

November 29, 2022 By Oscar Rojas

Topics: FIFA World Cup, Ecuador, Senegal, Kalidou Koulibaly

The defender found the back of the net with a powerful volley that will be remembered for its beauty and for its precise timing for the Lions of Teranga.

Just like they did 20 years ago, Senegal will return to the KO stage of the FIFA World Cup with the help of one of their defensive leaders.

Back in 2002, holding midfielder Papa Bouba Diop led the Lions of Teranga to their best performance in a World Cup. Now, defender Kalidou Koulibaly has taken the relay and gave the team their nod in the next round with a precise right-footed shot.

It will be a special goal for Koulibaly, as he had never scored for the Senegalese team up until today's game. Moreover, he had the chance to pay tribute to the late Bouba Diop, who passed away two years ago today, and he chose to write the number 19 on his captain's armband as an homage to the late footballer.

Senegal have also made history in the competition with their run in Qatar, as they have won two games in a group stage for the first time in history, reaching six points in the tournament to top their five-point haul from 2002.

Have a look at Koulibaly's history-making goal (Image might be geo-restricted).