Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah says his side is driven by the hope that success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could bring a measure of relief to a country scarred by years of conflict.
The Falcons of Jediane take on defending champions Senegal in a Round of 16 clash at the Tangier Grand Stadium later today, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Appiah acknowledged the scale of the challenge but insisted his players are determined to push as far as possible in the tournament.
The Ghanaian tactician explained that the team’s motivation extends beyond football, with the players carrying the weight of a nation enduring immense hardship.
He expressed hope that progress on the continental stage could have a positive emotional impact back home.
“We are hoping that if we win [AFCON], it will let the war calm down or even cease,” Appiah said.
“It’s very hard on us to live away from our families, from our homes. We are trying to cope with these circumstances, trying to please our fans, and hopefully, things will get better.
“Everything we are doing on the pitch is an attempt to make things better for our people,” he added.
Sudan has been gripped by civil war in recent years, a crisis that has claimed thousands of lives and forced the national team to play all their AFCON 2025 qualifiers outside the country.
Despite those obstacles, the Falcons of Jediane have defied expectations to reach the knockout stage, underlining a remarkable campaign shaped by resilience and resolve.
