🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Kalidou Koulibaly declares readiness for World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium
via SeneNews2 min read
Kalidou Koulibaly, captain of the Senegal national team, has confirmed his full physical readiness and availability for the upcoming World Cup 2026 round of 16 match against Belgium, scheduled for Wednesday at 8 PM. The Al-Hilal defender stated that the decision regarding his potential starting position rests with coach Pape Thiaw, emphasizing that his primary focus is being fit and available for the team. Koulibaly acknowledged recent physical setbacks but highlighted his intensive efforts to prepare for the World Cup, expressing gratitude to the medical and technical staff of both the national team and Al-Hilal for their support. He also noted his happiness to represent Senegal. The captain's inclusion in the starting lineup remains uncertain, especially after he was benched during the 5-0 victory against Iraq, a match that saw the team's best defensive performance following their first two games against France and Norway. Despite this, Koulibaly expressed confidence ahead of the decisive match, stating that the team will strive to perform well and secure a victory, asserting that they have nothing to prove after winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Hemodialysis patients in Ziguinchor have highlighted the challenges they face, including high treatment costs, blood shortages, and insufficient infrastructure. Their concerns were raised during a blood donation, awareness, and chronic kidney disease screening day organized by the Senegalese Association of Hemodialysis and Kidney Failure Patients at the Ziguinchor Regional Hospital Center. Dr. Mamadou A. Bâ, a nephrologist at the hospital, noted that chronic kidney disease is a significant public health challenge, causing high mortality and requiring expensive care. He stated that at least fifteen patients are seen daily, including new cases, emphasizing that early screening is crucial for detecting this often silent disease. Dieynaba Diédhiou, president of the local branch of the Association of Hemodialysis Patients, described the patients' reality as difficult, with transport costs, medication, and medical tests becoming unbearable for many families. She called for a larger hemodialysis unit to meet the growing needs of patients in the region. Massaër Seck, secretary general of the Senegalese Association of Hemodialysis and Kidney Failure Patients, echoed these concerns, acknowledging existing efforts but stressing that more support is needed, particularly regarding the high cost of medical tests. He emphasized that hemodialysis patients can live long lives with appropriate medical and social support.
Kylian Mbappé scored a decisive goal against Sweden in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, making him the second-highest goal scorer in World Cup history with 17 goals. This achievement highlights the French player's importance to the French national team. His goal in the 40th minute gave France a 1-0 lead. With his 17th World Cup goal, Mbappé has surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose. The French captain now holds the second position in the ranking of all-time World Cup top scorers, trailing only Lionel Messi, who has 18 goals.
Must ReadSenegal's Sadio Mané and Belgium's Jérémy Doku, key players for their national teams, have not yet delivered their best performances at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to improve before their round of 16 match in Seattle on Wednesday. Doku, a 24-year-old Manchester City forward, was anticipated to shine for Belgium after a strong Premier League season. However, he played a subdued match against Egypt due to a respiratory infection and missed the game against Iran to be with his wife for the birth of their son in London. This trip caused controversy as Norwegian defender Leo Ostigard remained with his team and watched his wife's childbirth via FaceTime. Doku started against New Zealand but was substituted at the hour mark. The Belgian press hopes he will perform better against Senegal now that his health issues are resolved. Sadio Mané, ten years Doku's senior, is playing in his final major international tournament with the Lions of Terranga. The former Liverpool forward, now with Al-Nassr, started all three group matches but did not score, though he provided an assist against Norway. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw expressed full confidence in Mané, calling him an "extraordinary" and "technical leader" who contributes defensively and is an "example for African and world football." Senegal may be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy due to injury, with Mory Diaw replacing him. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly's performance will also be scrutinized after errors in the match against Norway. F