Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah expressed hope that Ghana will learn from its failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and come back stronger in future competitions.
Appiah, who also serves as an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), guided Sudan to a historic AFCON qualification despite the challenges posed by civil unrest in the country.
The Falcons of Jediane secured second place in their group with 8 points, overcoming the odds by defeating Ghana 2-0 in the return leg in Libya, following a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Meanwhile, Ghana failed to qualify for the AFCON for the first time in 21 years, ending their campaign without a single victory in the qualifiers.
“When the draw placed Ghana in our group, I did several interviews where I said I hoped both Ghana and Sudan would qualify. It’s unfortunate Ghana couldn’t make it,” Appiah told CAF. “As a Ghanaian, I’m not happy about that, but football has evolved, and every country needs to prepare well for competitions. I hope Ghana learns from this and comes back stronger in future tournaments.”
Appiah, who has previously captained and coached Ghana, has played a key role in instilling resilience in Sudan’s squad, transforming them into a symbol of hope.
Sudan will find out their group opponents later today, as the AFCON draw is set to take place tonight in Rabat.