Before kickoff Kalidou Koulibaly had written the number 19 in black marker on his yellow captain’s armband in tribute to Papa Bouba Diop, who had died two years ago today at the age of 42. It was Diop who, wearing the number 19 shirt, had scored the most famous goal in Senegal’s history, poking in the winner as Senegal beat France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup, its first ever match in the tournament. But it was what Koulibaly did after 70 minutes that stands as the greater tribute.
Koulibaly’s volley to restore Senegal’s lead against Ecuador in its 2–1 win is not quite of the same significance as Diop’s goal, but it is certainly in the pantheon. It secured Senegal’s passage to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 20 years and, given no African side made it through the group in Russia, represented a significant marker for the continent as a whole. There is a serious possibility now that, for the first time ever, three African sides could make it to the last 16.
“The trophy’s for the family of Papa Bouba Diop,” said Koulibaly after being named man of the match. “I will give them this trophy because they deserve it. We knew the anniversary of his death was very important. We wanted to make him proud, pay homage to him. He was very important for Senegalese football. He made me dream as a boy, he was an inspiration to all the team. We wanted to do him honor. I saw the videos his family posted and it really hit home.” Koulibaly also dedicated the award to the victims of a recent landslide in Ischia, Italy, near his club team, Napoli.
