Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah believes football has the extraordinary power to unite and inspire, even amid the devastating impact of war.
The Ghanaian tactician has witnessed firsthand how the sport has offered hope to a nation ravaged by a 20-month civil war. Under his leadership, Sudan secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), providing a rare moment of joy and unity in challenging times.
“Football is one of the keys that can unlock such wars,” Appiah remarked. “This is something the players can do to help change—or even stop—the war in Sudan by qualifying for the AFCON or the World Cup.”
The qualification journey has been deeply emotional, with players enduring personal tragedies due to the ongoing conflict.
“Four players lost close family members while in camp,” Appiah revealed. “It’s heartbreaking, but they’ve shown incredible resilience. The players comfort and encourage each other. It hasn’t been easy.”
Sudan’s qualification for AFCON has already brought glimmers of hope. Appiah recalled scenes of jubilation across the war-torn nation after their achievement.
“After qualification, we visited the Sudanese embassy, and the ambassador told us that everyone had put down their guns and were celebrating in the streets. That’s not something you see often—it was a moment of peace,” he shared.
With Sudan currently in a strong position in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, Appiah and his players remain motivated by the chance to bring unity and pride to their homeland through football’s transformative power.
