Sudan head coach, Kwasi Appiah, has revealed that his team’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) brought moments of peace and joy to a nation plagued by unrest.
According to Appiah, the achievement momentarily united the Sudanese people, with celebrations replacing conflict.
Sudan’s home games had to be played on neutral grounds due to ongoing turmoil.
Despite these obstacles, Appiah guided the Falcons of Jediane to secure second place in Group F with eight points, ensuring their spot in the AFCON tournament.
Recalling the aftermath of their qualification, Appiah told BBC Africa: “After the qualification, we went to the Sudanese embassy, and the ambassador said, ‘Everybody had their guns down, and they were all jubilating on the streets.’”
Appiah highlighted the profound impact of football in conflict zones, saying, “Football is one of the keys that can unlock such wars,” he added.
The team’s journey to qualification has been a testament to resilience. Many players have endured personal losses amid the chaos, but Appiah inspired them to channel their struggles into motivation.
“Look at your relatives back home, what they’re going through, and let’s put some smiles on their faces,” he urged.
Sudan’s success extends beyond the AFCON qualifiers. The team currently leads Group B in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with an impressive 10 points, showcasing their determination to rise above adversity.