Inzaghi’s Dilemma: Bono and Koulibaly May Leave Al Hilal List as AFCON Looms

AFCON implications

Questions swirl about Al Hilal’s duo, Yassine Bono and Kalidou Koulibaly, and whether their names will be dropped from the club’s domestic squad in January–February, as AFCON looms.

Bono will join the Moroccan national team, while Koulibaly will represent Senegal as they prepare for Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Al Yaoum, uncertainty surrounds Bono and Koulibaly, given their likely absence from several Roshn Saudi League fixtures and other AFC Champions League Elite clashes.

Sources add that Al Hilal’s management left Bono and Koulibaly’s fate in coach Simone Inzaghi’s hands, as the Italian will bear the outcomes later.

Inzaghi is likely to lean on Yusuf Aktechishik and Matteo Butti to cover the gap.

Earlier reports had suggested Al Hilal would miss Bono and Koulibaly for nine AFCON matches, spanning Al Taawon, Al Khaleej, Al Khlood, Damac, Al Hazm, Al Nassr, Neom, Al Fayha and Sharjah.

Al Hilal had last defeated Al Fateh 4-1 at Kingdom Arena, in the King’s Cup quarterfinals.

Currently the Blue Wave sits second in the Saudi Pro League with 23 points, four behind leaders Al Nasr.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal tops the West in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Punchline 1: If Bono and Koulibaly exit, Inzaghi will need a bigger clipboard for the lineup.
Punchline 2: And me? I’ll watch the transfer window from the sofa—the only window where football makes sense.