The undisputed holders on paper are Al-Hilal, Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly (32 years, 71 caps, 1 goal), and Moroccan goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou (32 years, 55 caps) has just experienced his first real hiccup at Club Riyadh. Located in. Transferring from Chelsea this summer, Kalidou Koulibaly was immediately included in Jorge Jesus’ Standard squad for the Arab Cup in July–August. The Lions captain contributed to Al-Hilal’s journey to the final and the defeat against Al-Nassr featuring Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo (1-2). The former Rock of Naples was left to rest during the first three days of the championship, before rejoining the starting eleven thanks to a largely positive record of 3 wins in as many matches.
So far, like a fish in water, the 1.86 meter tall man has experienced disappointment for the first time in the Saudi capital. In fact, the native of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges (France) was not selected for the first group match of the Asian Champions League that will take place this Monday against the Uzbeks of Navbahor Namangan. Forced to call only five foreign players, Jorge Jesus chose his Portuguese compatriot, Rubén Neves, the Serbian, Alexander Mitrovic, and the Brazilians, Malcolm, Neymar and Michael. Other victims of the decision of the 69-year-old technician, in charge of the first team since last July, were Moroccan goalkeeper Yassin Bounou and Serbian forward Sergej Milinkovic Savic.
Did the coach want to protect him from returning from selection?
A huge humiliation for the only two Africans in the team. And this, even if the selection of the coach takes into account the needs of each position and is not yet certain for the future, knowing that it is only a match. Did the technician want to preserve only two individuals after returning from a long selection group? to be continued…
Nawabahor Namangan opposes Al-Hilal
Meanwhile, note that Al-Hilal Saudi yesterday drew the match against Nawabhor Namangan (1-1) to enter the race for the Asian Champions League. The most successful club of the Asian Champions League begins the competition this Monday against the vice-champions of Uzbekistan. After conceding the opener in the 52nd minute, the current leaders of the Saudi Pro League would avoid defeat thanks to a late equalizer from Al Bulahi (90th +10), which saved the furniture. Neymar Jr’s teammates are fearful of starting the competition without some of their officials for the first time.
with afro-feet