Kwesi Appiah masterminded Sudan’s 1-0 triumph over Equatorial Guinea, dramatically shaking up Group E in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The deadlock persisted until the 74th minute when chaos inside the Equatorial Guinea penalty area handed Sudan the breakthrough.
A precise Sudanese cross forced defender Saul Coco into a panicked clearance that ricocheted into his own net, giving Sudan the decisive goal and sparking jubilant celebrations. It was the team’s first AFCON victory in over a decade.
After suffering a heavy loss in their opener, Sudan approached the match knowing survival was at stake. Under constant pressure from a tactically sharp Equatorial Guinea side, the Sudanese defense held firm.
Goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid marshaled his backline, blocking wave after wave of attacks and enabling Sudan to strike on the counter.
The win levels Sudan with the current group leaders, turning their final group match into a high-stakes “win-and-you’re-in” showdown.
Beyond points, the victory carries deep significance. In a country facing immense challenges, Sudan’s squad has become a symbol of resilience.
Their first AFCON finals win since 2012 provides a moment of pride for fans both at home and abroad.
Sudan now prepares to face Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve, with a place in the Round of 16 within reach if they can reproduce their disciplined performance.
