Kouyate has been instrumental for Senegal, captaining the side since their second game. He has also played centre-back in each game, contributing to the side's five clean sheets in six games. Senegal have conceded just one goal against Algeria - to whom they lost 0-1 in the group stages.
Senegal face Algeria on Friday night (20:00 BST) in Cairo, and everyone at Palace wishes Cheikhou the very best of luck for the final. UK based viewers can watch the game on Eurosport.