In Saudi Arabia, they are fierce rivals competing for the Roshn Saudi League crown, but on the international stage, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane form the formidable spine of Senegal's quest for continental glory. The trio, playing for Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr respectively, are reunited as they aim to deliver only the second Africa Cup of Nations title in their nation's history, beginning their campaign in Morocco on Tuesday against Botswana.
In Saudi Arabia, they are fierce rivals competing for the Roshn Saudi League crown, but on the international stage, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane form the formidable spine of Senegal's quest for continental glory. The trio, playing for Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr respectively, are reunited as they aim to deliver only the second Africa Cup of Nations title in their nation's history, beginning their campaign in Morocco on Tuesday against Botswana.
This core group was instrumental in Senegal's historic first triumph at the 2021 AFCON (held in 2022), where they defeated Egypt on penalties. Mane and Koulibaly converted their spot-kicks, while goalkeeper Mendy made a crucial save to secure the victory. Reflecting on that moment, Mane declared it "the best trophy of my life," placing it above even his Champions League win. Now, four years later and with their club rivalries set aside, the experienced trio leads a Senegal squad considered among the tournament favorites once again.
Despite being four years older, each player arrives in Morocco in outstanding individual form, their excellence a key reason their clubs are locked in a tight RSL title race. Sadio Mane's Al Nassr leads the league with a perfect record, with the forward contributing three goals and four assists. Kalidou Koulibaly, the Senegalese captain, continues to provide exceptional leadership and defensive solidity for an unbeaten Al Hilal side. Edouard Mendy, having just signed a contract extension with Al Ahli until 2028, remains one of the league's most reliable goalkeepers, boasting 32 clean sheets in 70 RSL appearances.
Their absence will be keenly felt by their clubs during the tournament, especially with critical head-to-head fixtures between Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal scheduled during the AFCON period. While they will temporarily be divided by club loyalties when watching those matches, their primary focus for the next month is a unified one: bringing the AFCON trophy back to Senegal and cementing their legacy as national icons.
