Sudan’s head coach, Kwesi Appiah, has revealed his ambitious goals to lead the Falcons of Jediane to unprecedented football milestones, including qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the challenges posed by civil unrest in Sudan, the 63-year-old has already delivered on part of his promise by guiding the team to secure a spot in next year’s AFCON in Morocco.
Appiah, who signed a three-year deal with the Sudanese Football Association earlier this year, has quickly transformed the team’s fortunes. Sudan currently leads Group B in the World Cup qualifiers, amassing 10 points from four matches. His leadership has not only brought results but also renewed hope for a nation grappling with political instability.
“When I was appointed, I was not given any target but rather told to build a team within a few years,” Appiah shared in an interview with Asempa FM. “I convinced them that I wanted to qualify for the AFCON and the World Cup, and if only they could support me, we would achieve it. Now, we have qualified for the AFCON.”
Appiah credits his success to leveraging his past experience in Sudan. “When I left Sudan in 2015, five of the players I coached at Al Khartoum were still in the national team. I used them to connect with other players, and they helped me a lot.”
Appiah praised Sudanese players for their discipline and eagerness to learn, traits that have been instrumental in the team’s progress. “Sudanese players are well-disciplined and always willing to improve. Even during the qualifiers, they constantly sought feedback to ensure they were on the right track.”
Sudan’s squad features players exclusively from African clubs, predominantly from domestic rivals Al Hilal and Al Merrikh. However, due to the ongoing political turmoil, both clubs are temporarily competing in the Mauritanian league, adding another layer of complexity to Appiah’s task.
With AFCON qualification secured, Appiah’s focus now shifts to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Sudan is set to face Senegal and South Sudan in their final group matches in March 2025. These games will be crucial as Sudan seeks to make history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.
Appiah’s vision transcends mere participation; he aims to unite and inspire a nation through football. “Despite the unrest, I believed that with support, we could achieve great things. This is just the beginning.”
Kwesi Appiah’s achievements highlight the power of resilience and leadership in overcoming adversity. As Sudan prepares for its AFCON journey and pushes for a World Cup debut, Appiah’s tenure stands as a beacon of hope for Sudanese football and a testament to the unifying power of sport amidst challenging times.
