Koulibaly down with Covid-19 ahead of Senegal Afcon opener

Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of Senegal’s opening fixture at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Koulibaly will be unavailable for the Lions of Teranga when they kickstart Group B campaign against Zimbabwe at the Kouekong Stadium on Monday.

“Kalidou Koulibaly, engaged with his national team for the African Cup, tested positive for Covid-19,” read a statement from the club’s social media page.

“The player, regularly vaccinated, is asymptomatic and will observe the period of isolation as per protocol.”

Senegal are expected to find a replacement for the defender ahead of Monday’s match in Bafoussam.

The Lions of Teranga finished as runners-up to Algeria in the last edition, in 2019, but will try to go one better this time around.