馃嚫馃嚦SenegalWest Africa
Uncertain future for Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye after World Cup exit
via SeneNews3 min read
Following Senegal's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, the future of key players like defender and captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye is uncertain. Factors such as age, injuries, and the rise of a new generation pose a dilemma for upcoming matches. The premature exit from the World Cup, with a 3-2 loss to Belgium, may mark the final international campaign for some veteran players. Idrissa Gana Gueye, despite being 36, remains a crucial part of the team, with no clear replacement identified. The Everton midfielder, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, had a strong campaign despite initial difficulties. He expressed regret over the criticism directed at senior players, stating, "I find it a shame, in fact, since the beginning of the competition, and even before, that we talk a lot about the senior players, that we demonize us. The senior players are just there to ensure proper functioning, like in all teams." It remains to be seen if he will continue his international career amid the criticism. Kalidou Koulibaly, the Al-Hilal defender, experienced one of his most challenging campaigns, being relegated to the bench and ceding the captain's armband to Idrissa Gana Gueye. This marks a difficult period for the player, who has 105 national team appearances and participated in three World Cups 2018, 2022, 2026. Other players may also retire from international duty. While a new generation is emerging, the departure of these experienced players w
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Youssoupha Dabo, former coach of the Lions U20, has come to the defense of Pape Thiaw following Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Dabo suggests that Thiaw risks being made a scapegoat for the team's performance. He stated that it would not be surprising to learn of Thiaw's dismissal, emphasizing that the responsibility for the team's underperformance should not rest solely on the coach. Dabo advocates for the Federation to renew its confidence in Thiaw and provide him with the necessary resources to continue his work. He believes it is too simplistic to dismiss the coach solely because of the World Cup elimination, arguing that Thiaw should not be the only one to bear responsibility.
The inter-union of workers at the Compagnie Sucri猫re S茅n茅galaise CSS has raised concerns about increased sugar imports during the off-season, stating that volumes exceeding national market needs could jeopardize over 7,500 jobs. During a press briefing on July 7, 2026, in Richard-Toll, union official Malick Ba cautioned against the effects of excessive market openness to imports. He highlighted that if authorized volumes during the off-season surpass actual market needs, more than 7,500 jobs could be at risk. Ba recalled that premature import authorization in 2025 led to difficulties in selling local production, affecting CSS's cash flow and delaying seasonal worker recruitment. Following an inspection tour, the inter-union confirmed that current stock levels are sufficient to meet national demand, including during upcoming religious holidays. Workers' representatives also emphasized the record production of over 140,000 tons of sugar during the 2025-2026 sugar campaign, attributed to investments in modernizing industrial facilities and agricultural operations. For the off-season period, projected between September and November 2026, the inter-union suggests imports should not exceed 60,000 tons to maintain market balance. The unions are urging authorities to ensure this threshold is respected to prevent market saturation and protect employment. Malick Ba concluded that adhering to these volumes will preserve jobs and ensure a good start to the next campaign, noting that any