The Sudanese army launched an airstrike targeting a wedding celebration in Kutum locality while dozens of civilians were gathered at a civilian site with no military activity in the vicinity, causing dozens to be killed and wounded and destroying a school adjacent to the gathering.

Rising Death Toll

After a medical source confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the shelling killed 12 people, including children and female secondary school students, in addition to other dead and injured, the Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization also confirmed the incident in a statement.

It said that “eyewitnesses informed the organization that a drone belonging to the Sudanese army targeted a house in the Al-Salama neighborhood next to Al-Um Basic Girls’ School at around 4:00 p.m. local Sudan time on Wednesday, April 8,” adding that “the drone approached from the northeastern side of the city, and the strike killed around 12 people, including children and women.”

However, other reports confirmed that the death toll had risen the following day. The Sudanese newspaper Al-Jamahir revealed that the shelling targeting the city of Kutum resulted in 57 deaths, including 17 children, and confirmed that women accounted for the largest proportion of the victims in the strike that hit the traditional wedding celebration.

The newspaper said that the occasion was the “henna of the groom,” the marriage celebration held one day before the bride and groom move into their marital home according to Sudanese traditions. However, the celebration turned into a mass massacre whose full scale has yet to be determined, as search and rescue teams continue to recover victims’ bodies from beneath the rubble and search for survivors, while many of the injured remain in critical condition due to the severity of their wounds.

Other shelling operations carried out by the Sudanese army in the current period have also targeted civilian facilities and markets, including Al-Daein Hospital and the Lagawa market in South Kordofan State, raising concerns over the deliberate and continued targeting of civilians by the attack drones recently acquired by the Sudanese army.

“Silence Is a Disgrace”

For his part, Khalid Omar Youssef, a leader in the Somoud Alliance—a coalition of political, civilian, and revolutionary forces aimed at ending the devastating war ongoing since mid-April 2023—commented that the army’s continued shelling of civilians is “a disgrace.”

Youssef said in a statement posted on the X platform, commenting on the strike: “The armed forces’ aircraft launched a criminal attack yesterday evening that struck a wedding celebration in the Al-Salama neighborhood of Kutum in North Darfur, claiming the lives of a number of innocent civilians, especially women and children.”

He added: “The shocking attached video documents this incident, and silence over it is a disgrace beyond disgrace. This war, ignited by the terrorist Islamic Movement and sustained by investment in its continuation, has crossed every red line in its criminality, and it will lead to the fragmentation of the country and threaten peace and security in Sudan and its regional and international surroundings. This criminality must stop now, and everyone who has stained their hands with the blood of innocents without mercy or compassion must be held accountable.”

The Sudanese Congress Party also condemned the army’s strike on the wedding celebration, stating in its declaration: “We hold the army fully legally and morally responsible for this pure blood spilled in Kutum.”

It added: “The Sudanese Congress Party deeply mourns the horrific crime committed by a drone belonging to the Sudanese Armed Forces on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, through its direct targeting of civilian facilities in the city of Kutum in North Darfur State. This treacherous bombardment resulted in the fall of a number of martyrs and wounded among unarmed civilian women and men, including children and women, in a flagrant violation of all international norms, international humanitarian law, and the values of human conscience.”

The statement continued: “The repeated air and drone bombardment of populated areas and vital facilities proves beyond any doubt the attacking forces’ utter disregard for the lives of Sudanese citizens, turning civilians into military targets in a conflict in which they have no stake. We affirm that targeting civilian facilities and killing children constitutes a full-fledged war crime that is not subject to any statute of limitations, and its perpetrators and those who ordered it must face international justice.”

The Sudanese Congress Party renewed its call for accountability for those responsible for war crimes in Sudan: “We see the necessity for the Independent Fact-Finding Committee established by the Human Rights Council to fulfill its role in investigating and establishing the details of this massacre and all the war crimes of the cursed April 15, and to bring the perpetrators to accountability.

We appeal to the international community and the Security Council to take decisive and effective measures to protect civilians in Sudan, as it has become clear that defenseless innocents—women, children, and the elderly—are the ones paying the price for the continuation of this war.”

The Falcons of Jediane bowed out of the tournament following a 3–1 defeat to defending champions Senegal in Saturday’s Round of 16 encounter at the Tangier Grand Stadium.

Sudan stunned their opponents early on when Aamir Abdallah struck to hand them a surprise lead, but Senegal quickly asserted their dominance.

Idrissa Gueye scored twice to turn the game around before substitute Ibrahima Mbaye put the result beyond doubt late in the contest.

Reflecting on the loss, Appiah admitted his disappointment but insisted he was proud of his team’s overall performance at the tournament.

“Of course, I am disappointed with the result of the game, but proud of the effort of my players throughout this competition,” Appiah said.

“We played against a very experienced Senegal team, but we showed our quality.”

He added that his players had done their country proud despite the elimination.

“Despite the result tonight, I am sure the Sudanese people know that we came to this competition and proudly represented them,” he added.

Senegal will now turn their attention to a quarterfinal showdown against Mali on Friday, January 9, with the tie scheduled to take place once again at the Tangier Grand Stadium.

Aamir Abdallah’s stunning opener, curled across the diving Edouard Mendy in the sixth minute, briefly allowed Sudanese fans to dream of a huge upset in Tangier.

Mendy was then forced into an excellent stop low to his right from Mohamed Eisa’s angled shot midway through the first half before Senegal, driven on by the incessant drumming of their fans, slowly began to turn the screw.

Nicolas Jackson should have scored just before the half hour, seeing his close-range effort well blocked by goalkeeper Monged Elneel, but just seconds later Gueye stroked home his first from 18 yards out.

The Villarreal midfielder, who was constantly finding space on the edge of Sudan’s penalty area, grabbed his second in first-half injury time, again side-footing calmly past Elneel from distance.

Mendy made another fine save to deny impressive right-back Sheddy Barglan at the start of the second half, but from that point on it always felt as if the Teranga Lions were able to hold their determined opponents at arm’s length.

Paris St-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye raced away in the 77th minute to add the gloss to a scoreline which will see Senegal remain in Tangier for a quarter-final tie next Friday against either Mali or Tunisia, who face off in Saturday’s late game (19:00 GMT).

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.

Sudan, who progressed to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without scoring a goal, take on Senegal in the Round of 16 at the Tangier Grand Stadium later today, with kick-off set for 16:00 GMT.

Despite managing just one win from three group matches, Abdelrahman remains confident his team can spring a surprise.

Speaking to CAF Media ahead of the encounter, he admitted the difficulty of the task while stressing Sudan’s belief.

“It will be a very difficult match by all standards. We know our opponent well. Senegal are a strong and experienced team with a rich history in the competition,” he said.

“The key to victory is our determination, perseverance, belief in ourselves and our desire to go far in this tournament,” Abdelrahman added.

Sudan began their campaign with a defeat to Algeria, bounced back with a victory over Equatorial Guinea, and then fell to Burkina Faso in their final group fixture, finishing among the best third-placed teams.

The Round of 16 appearance marks Sudan’s first knockout qualification at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2012.

Both sides were assured of progress behind table-topping Algeria before kick-off in Casablanca and the respective coaches rotated their sides ahead of the knockout stage.

Lassina Traore was left unmarked six yards out to head in Stephane Aziz Ki’s chipped ball across the box to open the scoring in the 16th minute.

Al Gozoli Nooh missed the chance to equalise from the penalty spot midway through the first half after being brought down by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi.

Left-back Arsene Kouassi added a second for the West Africans with five minutes remaining, slotting Dango Ouattara’s through ball just inside the left-hand post.

Sudan will travel north to Tangier to take on 2021 winners Senegal on Saturday, 3 January (16:00 GMT).

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso have set up a tie against the winner of Group F – which could be Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique – in Marrakesh on Tuesday, 6 January (19:00 GMT).

The Stallions will discover their opponents later on Wednesday when the group stage concludes.

Tough games to come in last 16

Burkina Faso made seven changes but returned to winning ways after their 1-0 defeat by Algeria on Sunday and the only concern for coach Brama Toure may be the fitness of first-choice keeper Koffi, who was replaced at half-time after requiring treatment to his right thigh.

Sudan’s 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea earlier the same day proved enough to see them through to the knockout stage for the first time since 2012 after results in the final round of games in Groups A and B went in their favour.

With the country still in the midst of a civil war which started in April 2023, coach James Kwei Appiah had talked about putting “smiles on the faces” of the Sudanese people at the finals and their qualification for the last 16 has certainly done that.

But the sizeable band of Falcons of Jediane fans were left disappointed when Nooh dragged his spot kick wide of the left-hand upright in the 24th minute.

Forward Aamir Abdallah – the only survivor from the win over the Equatoguineans – fired narrowly wide for the 1970 champions just before the hour mark and Nooh drew a save from substitute goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema.

Brentford forward Ouattara climbed off the bench to put the result beyond doubt, but both sides could now face former champions in the last 16.

“One of our childhood friends was also with them, but he couldn’t say anything. So he just saw our friend die in front of his eyes – and that’s it.”

The matter of fact way in which Sudan forward John Mano recounts the death of his best friend Medo is at odds with the intense look burning in his eyes as he does so.

Medo is one of more than 150,000 people to have been killed during the country’s civil war which began in April 2023.

Mano, who debuted for the national team just months before the conflict started, says Medo had travelled to the city of Wadi Halfa, near the border with Egypt, to arrange documentation to leave the country during what the United Nations is calling the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

“I think they forgot some certificates,” the 24-year-old tells BBC Sport Africa, speaking at the team’s hotel at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.

“It was so important for the family and he had to go back. He went to his house and took everything.

“They caught him. They said, ‘Are you working with the army?’ He just wanted to explain. But they started shooting him.”

‘I cannot forget this until I die’

Image source: Al Hilal

Image caption: Al Hilal’s stadium in the city of Omdurman, a venue nicknamed the Blue Jewel, has been badly damaged by the civil war

The power struggle between Sudan’s army and a paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Force (RSF), has also forced more than 12 million people to flee their homes, with widespread famine and reports of genocide in the western Darfur region.

Unsurprisingly, football has taken a back seat. Stadiums have been destroyed and the league halted.

Two of the country’s biggest club sides, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, are currently playing in the Rwandan league, having spent last season in the Mauritanian top flight.

“We don’t have a league, we don’t have anything, but we can’t complain because people in my country, they can’t eat, they don’t have food,” says Mano.

But despite all the challenges – including having to play their home Afcon qualifying matches in neutral countries – Sudan have reached the finals for only the fourth time since 1976.

Ghanaian head coach Kwesi Appiah has had to convince players to compete without guarantees of payment and has offered consolation on “several occasions” when squad members have lost family members.

“We try to let players know, even though they’re gone, [they’re] looking at you and what you can do now for the nation,” says the 65-year-old, who took charge in September 2023.

“I need to give the player maybe two or three days off, to make sure he comes back to himself.”

Some of the players have not been home in years, with many lucky enough to find a new club overseas.

Like several others in the Falcons of Jediane squad, Mano has made the move to Libya, first joining Al Ahly and now Al Akhdar.

But the former Al Hilal man did not escape Sudan before experiencing a death threat of his own.

“The rebels used to stop us and make fun of us on the road,” he explains.

“They’d say things like ‘You play for Al Hilal – what is Al Hilal? I support Al Merrikh. I can kill you right now and nobody will question me’.

“I cannot forget this story until I die.”

​​​​​​​Football, unity and the goal of peace

Image source: Sudan Football Association

Image caption: A small number of locally-based fans in Libya were able to celebrate reaching Afcon 2025 when Sudan drew their final qualifier 0-0 against Angola in Benghazi

Appiah and Sudan captain Bakhit Khamis say part of their role has been creating a family feeling within the squad.

“Football is the only relief we have as Sudanese people,” says left-back Khamis, who also currently plays in Libya.

“It is the only thing that can make us happy and help us forget the pain and suffering we [have been] through during the period of war.

“The feeling of unity becomes part of you, you cannot avoid it. Our goal has become stronger – Sudan first, Sudan above everything.

“This unity is one of the best things that has happened to us. It was able to make us united as one people.”

Appiah aims to make players feel they can be “the best in the world” with the right attitude, inspiring his team to a memorable home win in Libya over Ghana – the country he won the 1982 Afcon with as a player and later managed twice – during their qualifying campaign.

When an ambassadorial delegation arrived at the team hotel after the game, the squad discovered that soldiers back in Sudan were celebrating the result.

“At least for one day, they put their guns down,” says Appiah, hoping that the war will “cease totally” to allow “everybody to come back home happily”.

“I believe that, if by grace we are able to win it (Afcon), you never know.”

While hoping the soldiers lay down their guns permanently, Mano describes football as a “weapon” to “fight for my country”.

He is promising the fans back home that the 1970 champions will battle all the way in Morocco.

“Some of them (the fans), they can’t watch the match, you know that? Not even on the radio, they can’t hear.

“Every day people [are] dying.

“We’re trying to free our country the football way.”

Following a narrow 1-0 loss to Algeria in their opening Group E match, Sudan responded with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea on Sunday night in Casablanca.

The game remained finely balanced until the 74th minute, when chaos in the Equatorial Guinea penalty area proved decisive.

A powerful Sudanese cross forced defender Saul Coco into a misjudged clearance, resulting in an own goal that sent the Sudanese players and supporters into celebration. The strike marked Sudan’s first AFCON win in over a decade.

After the match, Appiah praised his squad’s performance but emphasized that the team’s ambitions go far beyond a single triumph.

“I am happy with the win, but our ambition is to win the title, not just to achieve a single victory. We have experienced players, and their performance was strong,” the Ghanaian gaffer said after the game.

He also acknowledged the challenges Sudan faced during the match, highlighting their resilience and determination.

“We faced some difficulties, but we always try to show good quality in our matches to achieve victories. I thank everyone who supported us in this match, especially the fans.”

Sudan now prepares for a crucial final group match against Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve at the Mohammed V Stadium, with a Round of 16 spot on the line.

Appiah stressed that while immediate progression is the priority, the team remains focused on long-term ambitions.

“When you take part in any tournament, the main ambition is to get through the group stage and go as far as possible. We achieved what mattered most, and we are mindful of these objectives of reaching the furthest stage possible. We are not here to just participate,” he added. 

Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT.

The North Africans lifted the title in 2019 but have failed to progress past the group stage at the past two editions of the finals.

Former Manchester City winger Mahrez gave his side an ideal start with a trademark left-footed curling strike from 12 yards after being teed up by Hicham Boudaoui’s smart backheel.

Yaser Awad Boshara twice called Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane into action but Sudan’s task got harder when Salah Adel was sent off for a second bookable offence six minutes before the break.

Mahrez, 34, doubled the lead just after the hour mark with a composed finish inside the box from Mohamed Amoura’s clever through-ball.

Wolfsburg striker Amoura almost added a third when he rifled a volley against the right-hand upright.

Ibrahim Maza collected Baghdad Bounedjah’s knockdown just outside the six-yard box to make it 3-0 with five minutes left – Algeria’s 100th goal in Afcon.

Sudan keeper Monged Elneel then made two fine saves during added time to deny substitute Adil Boulbina.

Algeria went top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso, who beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 earlier on Wednesday, and will remain in the Moroccan capital to face the Stallions on Sunday (17:30 GMT).

Sudan travel to Casablanca to take on the Equatoguineans on the same day (15:00 GMT).

Sudan has been in the grip of conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, with around 150 000 people killed and almost 14 million displaced, creating the largest displacement crisis in the world.

Ghana-born coach Appiah, however, succeeded in steering the team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations despite having to play all their qualifying matches away from home.

“I’m happy that Sudan is part of such a big tournament,” Appiah told a press conference on Tuesday, on the eve of their Group E game against Algeria.

“We all know there’s a war in Sudan, and I believe this tournament will put some smiles on the faces of all Sudanese.

“We are here to make sure we do our best to entertain everyone who comes to the stadium.”

The coach said that even as he carries out his tactical job, sometimes they learn that a team member has lost someone in their family due to the conflict. But they remain patient, he said, as they aim to make every Sudanese proud.

“We all know there has been no league in Sudan for the past three years, but we make sure the team represents itself very well.”

Sudan’s biggest teams – Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, as well as Al Ahli Wad Madani – will participate in the Rwandan league next season.

Sudan captain Bakhit Khamis said that while the situation at home was catastrophic, the side were happy to be in Morocco for the tournament.

“The situation Sudan is going through is truly disastrous in every sense of the word. Thank God we managed to qualify,” he said.

Drawn in Group D alongside Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea, Appiah stressed that mere participation will not satisfy the team’s ambitions.

Speaking to Akoma FM ahead of the competition, the former Ghana coach said, “The goal is not just to participate but to fight for the trophy. I believe with the right mentality, we can achieve it. There’s no point in going to the competition if you don’t aim to win.”

On their group-stage opponents, Appiah added, “We respect them, but we will not fear them. If you go into games thinking about names like Messi or Ronaldo, you lose the battle mentally before it begins.”

Sudan will open their AFCON campaign against Algeria on Wednesday, December 24, at Moulay Hassan Stadium, before facing Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, December 28, at Stade Mohammed V. They will conclude their group-stage fixtures against Burkina Faso on Wednesday, December 31, at the same venue.

The 2025 edition marks Sudan’s return to Africa’s premier football tournament after missing the knockout stages in their last appearance in Cameroon.

READ ALSO

Kwesi Appiah backs Black Stars to shine at 2026 World Cup

Ex-Black Stars Midfielder says injuries prevented Stephen Appiah from winning trophies

Appiah, who took charge of the Falcons of El-Jadiyan in September 2023, has earned a contract extension following his successful qualification of Sudan for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In an official statement, the SFA announced: “Kwasi Appiah continues his journey with the Falcons of El-Jadiyan until 2028. A new step towards a brighter future for Sudan football.”

The former Ghana international, who became the first Ghanaian coach to lead the Black Stars to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil 2014, now sets his sights on a strong showing at the upcoming AFCON in Morocco.

Sudan has been drawn in Group E alongside Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.

READ ALSO

FIFA only needs Africa during elections – Angola coach criticises delayed AFCON player release

Place players on match-before-salary basis – Hearts of Oak urged after shocking FA Cup defeat to True Life FC

The case alleges the use of prohibited weapons and serious violations against civilians.

Those named in the filing are General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Yasser al-Atta, Shams al-Din al-Kabashi, and Major General Taher Mohammed.

The petition urges the ICC to initiate an investigation, working with a team of international legal experts.

The move follows unsuccessful efforts by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to broker peace, with the Sudanese army accused of refusing to engage in dialogue or implement agreements

Civil society organisations say these circumstances compelled them to seek international justice mechanisms.

The filing also reflects wider regional concerns about the growing presence of armed militias reportedly aligned with Sudanese authorities, raising fears over border security and regional stability.

Human rights advocates have described the initiative as a step towards safeguarding civilians and reinforcing accountability through international justice mechanisms, at a time when conflict-related violations continue to be reported.

Source: BBC

The Falcons of Jediane will take on the Lions of Teranga at Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium today, August 29, following their semifinal defeat to Madagascar.

Ahead of the game, Appiah emphasized the significance of the match for both the team and their nation.

“We want to bring smiles to the Sudanese, especially at a time when our country is going through such hardship,” Appiah told CAF Media.

“This game is very important to us, and we will give everything to win the medal.”

The Ghanaian tactician added that the squad has grown stronger and more cohesive as the tournament has progressed.

“We are more united now than we were in the first game. We have learned a lot throughout the tournament and believe we can put on a great show,” Appiah noted.

The kickoff for the contest is set for 15:00 GMT.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/kwesi-appiah-eyes-chan-title-as-sudan-reach-semifinals/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:33:35 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2570848 Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah has made his intentions clear to win the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ahead of their semifinal game.

The Ghanaian tactician has guided the Falcons of Jediane to the last four after a dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Algeria.

Speaking ahead of their clash with Madagascar on Tuesday, August 26, Appiah emphasised that the team’s ambition extends beyond merely competing in the tournament.

“Our goal is beyond just participation. We aspire to achieve the African title,” Appiah told CAFOnline.

The former Black Stars coach also commended his players for their resilience and highlighted the motivation drawn from the millions of Sudanese fans supporting the team.

“Millions of Sudanese people follow us, and they also support us, so I say it frankly: we aspire to achieve the African title,” he added.

The semifinal showdown is set to take place at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 GMT.

The Falcons of Jediane held their nerve in a dramatic shoot-out at the Amaan Stadium after a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja the hero after saving twice.

Kwesi Appiah’s side, who topped Group D, remain unbeaten in the tournament and continue to build on their remarkable resurgence.

Both teams had entered the contest with high expectations, underpinned by mutual respect voiced by their coaches on the eve of the clash.

Algeria’s Madjid Bougherra had praised Sudan’s progress under Appiah, while the Ghanaian coach himself insisted his side would not sit back.

The encounter began tightly, with chances at both ends but no breakthrough in a scrappy first half.

Sudan thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time, but Salah Adil’s effort was clawed away by Algerian keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.

The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half in chaotic fashion.

Musa Hussien’s strike was saved, only for Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala to inadvertently turn the ball into his own net, handing Sudan the lead in the 48th minute.

The Desert Foxes, unbeaten in their last 10 CHAN fixtures, showed resilience.

They poured forward in waves, and their pressure told in the 73rd minute when Soufiane Bayazid bundled home from close range after sustained attacks.

From then on, both sides traded blows. Mohamed Tia Asad went close for Sudan with a header, while Aimen Mahious forced two superb saves from Abooja in extra time.

Injuries and substitutions disrupted the rhythm, but neither side could find a winner.

As the whistle blew at 1-1 after 120 minutes, penalties loomed.

In the shoot-out, Walieldin Khidir and Mohamed Ahmed Saeed converted confidently for Sudan, as did Bayazid and Mahious for Algeria.

But then the drama swung. Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui saw their penalties saved by the inspired Abooja, while Ahmed Tabanja and Mohamed Tia Asad sealed the deal for Sudan.

The Falcons triumphed 4-2, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Sudanese contingent and their supporters in Zanzibar.

Sudan’s victory secures their third-ever CHAN semi-final appearance, continuing a tournament where they have already beaten Nigeria 4-0 and held champions Senegal.

They will now face Madagascar at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, 26 August, at 17:30 local time.

Algeria, finalists in 2022, bowed out earlier than expected and saw their impressive unbeaten run snapped in painful fashion. Their wait for a CHAN crown continues.

The other semi-final pits Morocco against defending champions Senegal in Kampala later the same day — a heavyweight clash ensuring one of Africa’s giants will contest the final.

The Falcons of Jediane advanced to the last eight after holding Senegal to a goalless draw on Tuesday, a result that secured top spot in Group D.

Reflecting on the achievement, the former Ghana coach praised the backing his side has received and pledged that his players will give everything in Saturday’s quarterfinal against a North African opponent.

“The people of Zanzibar have been fantastic. We wouldn’t like to let them down in terms of the quality of our football,” Appiah said.

“The Zanzibar people have similarities with our Sudanese people. They speak Arabic, so there was a bond from the time we came into the city. To our fans across the world, we will not let you down,” he added.

Appiah also highlighted the team’s steady progress in the tournament, citing their resilience against tough opponents.

“We started the competition slowly but progressed to beat Nigeria and grind out a result against Senegal,” Appiah said after the game.

“The more we advance, the better we get. Senegal isn’t a small country in terms of football. I knew we were in for a tough time. We had to sit back and hit on counters,” he added.

The CHAN is a biennial continental competition reserved exclusively for players who feature in their domestic leagues across Africa.

Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, nearly 13 million people have fled their homes, driven out by relentless aerial bombardments, random shelling, and violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The scale of devastation is unprecedented, with civilian infrastructure — including hospitals, schools, and places of worship — being repeatedly targeted. Most recently, the RSF claimed responsibility for downing a military drone over El-Fashir in Darfur, accusing the army of conducting indiscriminate airstrikes in heavily populated areas.

A similar attack on Turra Market in North Darfur earlier this year left over 100 civilians dead, drawing condemnation from local human rights group, Emergency Lawyers, which labelled the incident a war crime and called for accountability.

The UN Human Rights Office continues to receive reports of escalating violence, including airstrikes on towns such as Kabkabiya and Nyala, with scores of civilian casualties. Even Christian churches and evangelical schools have not been spared.

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced linking the Sudanese military to resurgent extremist groups, including factions of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. The group, once ousted by Sudan’s 2019 revolution, is alleged to have formed new alliances with the army, attempting to reclaim influence through the ongoing conflict.

Though one such battalion, Al-Baraa Ibn Malik, recently declared its withdrawal from the battlefield, experts have dismissed this as a tactical move designed to manipulate public perception.

Further complicating the crisis are revelations of foreign arms deals. According to an investigation by The Washington Post, the Turkish defence manufacturer Baykar covertly supplied the Sudanese army with at least $120 million worth of drones and missiles in late 2024.

Supported by satellite data and internal communications, the report indicates that these advanced weapons, including the TB2 drones, have been used in recent strikes, intensifying the war’s toll on civilians.

As the humanitarian catastrophe deepens, international observers warn that Sudan’s conflict — marked by shifting alliances, extremist resurgence, and foreign intervention — could destabilise the wider region unless urgent diplomatic and humanitarian interventions are made.

Last week, the RSF launched an intense ground and aerial assault on refugee camps surrounding the city of El-Fasher in an attempt to seize the last state capital in Darfur held by their rival, the Sudanese army.

The two warring sides have been locked in a bloody power struggle since April 2023. This has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and forced millions to flee their homes.

The UN said it had verified 148 killings between Thursday and Saturday, but warned the toll was much higher.

UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told the BBC their verification process was still ongoing and their number didn’t include Sunday’s violence.

“Credible sources have reported more than 400 killed,” said Ms Shamdasani.

At least nine humanitarian aid workers were among those killed, the UN said.

The refugee camps that surround El-Fasher – Zamzam and Abu Shouk – provide temporary homes to more than 700,000 people, many of whom are facing famine-like conditions.

In a statement released on Saturday, the RSF said it was not responsible for attacks on civilians and that scenes of killing in Zamzam were staged to discredit its forces.

The following day, the group said it had completed a “successful liberation” of the camp from Sudan’s army. The RSF accused the army of using Zamzam as “a military barracks, and innocent civilians as human shields”.

El-Fasher is the last major town in Darfur under army control and has been under siege by the RSF for a year. Sudan’s brutal civil war will enter its third year on Tuesday.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called on all parties involved to “renew their resolve to take meaningful steps towards resolving the conflict”.

Ahead of a conference on Tuesday in London to mark the conflict’s two-year anniversary, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a £120m food and aid package for Sudan.

He said Sudan’s stability is “vital for our national security”.

The UK will co-host the talks alongside the African Union and European Union.

Sadio Mane came closest to a winner for the visitors late on in Benina, Libya, but saw an attempted chip saved by Sudan keeper Mohamed Mostafa before his follow-up effort was blocked by a defender on the line.

Mostafa then pulled off a stunning low stop to keep out a header from Cherif Ndiaye.

Sudan could have taken all three points themselves as Walieldin Khedr sent a shot flashing past the post earlier in the second half.

The Falcons of Jediane sit a point clear of DR Congo at the top of Group B halfway through the African campaign, with Senegal a point further behind.

Only the group winners are assured of a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup finals next year.

The four best-placed sides from across the nine groups will enter play-offs for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will provide the final qualifiers.

Elsewhere in Group B, Togo and Mauritania drew 2-2 in an entertaining contest in Lome.

Those four sides are all back in action on Tuesday when Sudan host South Sudan, Senegal welcome Togo and DR Congo travel to Mauritania.

The final four group fixtures will be split across September and October.

Sudan tame Teranga Lions

Almost two years on from the start of the civil war, and with the country’s top two domestic clubs now playing in Mauritania, Sudan coach James Kwesi Appiah has got supporters dreaming of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time.

In the nine-month hiatus since the last qualifying fixtures the Sudanese had remarkably booked a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – eliminating four-time continental champions Ghana along the way.

But, returning to their bid to reach the United States, Mexico and Canada, Sudan almost made a disastrous start as goalkeeper Mustafa missed a clearing kick within the first 30 seconds.

However, he managed to recover and scramble the loose ball behind with Boulaye Dia set to pounce and slot into an empty net.

The hosts were not overawed by a side ranked as the second best in Africa, and 96 places above them, and Aboubaker Eisa missed a chance to slot Sudan in front in the 20th minute before Dia sent a header off target.

After the break Sudan midfielder Adbel Raouf tested Edouard Mendy with a low strike before having appeals for a penalty waved away as he challenged the keeper for the rebound.

Mane had sent an overhead kick narrowly wide before the former Liverpool forward was denied twice with 10 minutes remaining.

The West Africans remain unbeaten after five games in Group B but, with only two wins, have work to do to reach a third successive World Cup finals.​​​​​​​

Togo and Mauritania share points

Earlier on Saturday, Mauritania scored their first goals of the campaign as they secured a draw in Togo.

Thibault Klidje headed the hosts ahead in Lome in the fourth minute, and Mauritania came close to an equaliser when Aboubakary Koita hit the right-hand upright 10 minutes before the break.

The game sparked into life in the second half as the visitors scored twice in the space of four minutes to turn the game on its head.

First Koita levelled with a fine curing shot across goal and then Abdallahi Mahmoud was presented with a simple tap-in at the back post from Sidi Bouna Amar’s low cross.

Kevin Denkey dragged Togo level in the 69th minute when he dispossessed Lamine Ba in the box and rifled in a low shot.

After that both sides had chances to win it as Mauritania striker Pape Yade struck a post after capitalising on an error from Sparrowhawks goalkeeper Malcolm Barcoa and then Togo substitute Kwame Mawuena narrowly missed the target with a header.

Appiah, who previously led Ghana to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, has now guided Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane to another major tournament appearance.

Beyond their AFCON achievement, Sudan sits at the top of Group B in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, reinforcing their strong form.

Ahead of their upcoming matches against Senegal and South Sudan, Appiah expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete with the continent’s best.

“Senegal is a strong team, but they are not the only ones, and we are also one of the best teams on the continent,” he said.

“We have performed well, and everyone is now talking about the team as strong. We have achieved part of our goals, and now we aspire to achieve more.”

The coach also urged the Sudanese Football Association to ensure that player bonuses and incentives are settled ahead of these crucial fixtures.

“I hope that the federation will give incentive bonuses to the players, as they deserve it after the great performance they gave.

“Such incentives will help them achieve a positive result against a big team like Senegal, which will enhance our chances even more,” he added.

A pair of victories in this month’s World Cup qualifiers would bring Sudan closer to securing a historic spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Falcons of Jediane are currently in Saudi Arabia, preparing for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this month.

However, Appiah, who leads the Sudanese side, has opted to stay away until his unpaid wages are settled.

Reports indicate that the former Black Stars boss even avoided a scheduled meeting with Sudan FA Vice President Osama Atta Al-Mannan after a recent visit to Ghana.

Despite the financial dispute, the Sudanese FA is reportedly working to resolve the matter as they aim to maintain stability in the team.

Sudan is set to face Senegal on March 18, followed by a clash with South Sudan on March 24 in the fifth and sixth rounds of Group B qualifiers. Currently, they lead the group with 10 points from four matches.

The team will then travel to Libya on March 17, 2025, ahead of their next qualification fixtures.

Meanwhile, Kwesi Appiah, who also serves as Head of Sporting Affairs at Asante Kotoko, was spotted in Kumasi on Thursday, attending the final burial of Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.

The Falcons of Jediane secured their place in the tournament alongside Angola, while Ghana finished bottom of their group with only three points.

Osei-Fosu expressed confidence in Sudan’s qualification, citing Appiah’s leadership and experience as key factors. “I knew we would qualify ahead of Ghana and the other teams because we have James Kwasi Appiah, a man with vast experience,” Osei-Fosu stated on Asempa FM’s SportsNite Show.

He further praised Appiah for his notable achievements, including leading Ghana to the 2014 World Cup, where the team earned a historic draw against Germany. “That match was rated the best in the second round and even the entire tournament. Ghana vs USA was also the best match in the first round,” Osei-Fosu added.

In the qualifiers, Sudan drew 0-0 in the first leg against Ghana before securing a 2-0 victory in the second leg to seal their AFCON spot.

Mass sexual violence has been widely documented as a weapon of war in the country’s nearly two-year conflict.

But Unicef’s report is the first detailed account about the impact of rape on young children in Sudan.

A third of the victims were boys, who typically face “unique challenges” in reporting such crimes and seeking the help they need.

Unicef says that, although 221 rape cases against children have been officially reported since the start of 2024, the true number is likely to be much higher.

Sudan is a socially conservative country where huge societal stigma stops survivors and their families from speaking out about rape, as does the fear of retribution from armed groups.

The Unicef report provides an appalling window into the abuse of children in the country’s civil war.

Perhaps its most shocking revelation is that 16 of the victims were under the age of five years, including four infants.

Unicef does not say who is responsible, but other UN investigations have blamed the majority of rapes on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying RSF fighters had a pattern of using sexual violence to terrorise civilians and suppress opposition to their advances.

The RSF, which is fighting this war against its former allies, the Sudanese Armed Forces, has denied any wrongdoing.

“The sheer scale of sexual violence we have documented in Sudan is staggering,” said Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the UN’s fact-finding mission when its previous report was published in October.

According to evidence presented by international human rights groups, victims in the RSF’s stronghold of Darfur were often targeted because they were black African rather than Arab, apparently with the aim of driving them out of Sudan.

The UN humanitarian response for Sudan is already underfunded. Recent cuts in US aid are expected to reduce programmes to help the victims even further.

Harrowing details in Unicef’s report underscore the dire situation.

“After nine at night, someone opens the door, carrying a whip, selects one of the girls, and takes her to another room. I could hear the little girl crying and screaming. They were raping her,” recalls Omnia (not her real name), an adult female survivor who was held by armed men in a room with other women and girls.

“Every time they raped her, this girl would come back covered in blood. She is still just a young child. They only release these girls at dawn, and they return almost unconscious. Each of them cries and speaks incoherently. During the 19 days I spent there, I reached a point where I wanted to end my life.”

As a fractured nation at war, Sudan is one of the most challenging places on earth to access services and frontline workers.

The vast number of people displaced by the war has made women and children more vulnerable to attack – three out of four school-age girls are out of school, the UN says.

Trump government cuts end vital help

The devastating outcome of these crimes is aggravated by the fact that victims have few places to turn to for medical help, because many medical facilities have been destroyed, looted or occupied by the warring parties.

Recent US aid cuts may be endangering even the limited services available to protect children.

Unicef has been providing safe spaces for children through a network of local activists who have set up what are known as Emergency Response Rooms to deal with the crises in their communities.

The activists relied quite heavily on US aid, and most have been forced to shut down, according to a Sudanese coordinating committee that monitors them.

More broadly, the UN organization dedicated to protecting women’s rights says local organisations led by women are vital in delivering support to survivors of sexual violence. But they receive less than 2% of the total funding of the UN’s Sudan Humanitarian Fund.

The BBC learned that at least one of these local groups, known as “She Leads”, was forced to close when US funding was stopped.

It was not a big expense, measured in the tens of thousands of dollars, but enabled case workers to reach around 35 survivors a month, said Sulaima Elkhalifa, a Sudanese human rights defender who runs a government unit on combatting violence against woman and helped organize the private initiative.

Those who have been raped by armed men “don’t have the luxury of being depressed,” she told the BBC.

The demands of war – finding food, needing to flee – leave no space to deal with trauma, she added.

READ ALSO:

• CHRAJ Theft: Court jails job seeker for stealing mobile phone
• Confusion rocks the Forestry Commission over the new CEO’s alleged refusal to revoke ‘illegal’ promotions
• Tidal waves destroy 51 houses and displace over 300 in Agavedzi

The Falcons of Jediane have been drawn into Group F, where they will face Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.

Reacting to the tournament draw, the former Ghana coach emphasized that Sudan is ready to compete without fear.

“Sudan is in Group E, and all the teams there are really good. For me, if you are participating in a competition, your goal should always be to aim for the cup,” he said.

“If you’re afraid of any team, then why are you participating in the competition in the first place? I believe Sudan will perform very well, and I’m hopeful that, no matter the team we face, we will try our best to get a victory,” Appiah added.

The 2025 AFCON is set to kick off on Sunday, December 21, with the final scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Despite ongoing civil unrest in the country, Sudan’s national team, the Falcons of Jediane, has secured a spot in the prestigious competition, set to take place in Morocco later this year.

Appiah, who masterminded Sudan’s qualification at the expense of his home country, Ghana, remains optimistic ahead of the tournament.

Speaking to CAF ahead of the group stage draw on January 27, he said: “Once you’ve qualified for AFCON, as a coach, I don’t think you should have any preferences regarding who you’re drawn against.

“We must be ready to face anyone. If you fear any team, then you shouldn’t participate in the competition at all. The key is preparation and confidence.”

Under Appiah’s leadership, the Falcons of Jediane finished second in Group F with 8 points. They now aim to make a significant impact in Morocco, inspired by their coach’s unwavering determination and strategic mindset.

The Falcons of Jediane earned their spot in the prestigious tournament by finishing second in Group F during the qualifiers.

Despite the challenges posed by the absence of an active domestic league in Sudan, Appiah’s squad outperformed Ghana and Niger, securing a place behind group leaders Angola.

With the tournament set to take place in December 2025, the former Ghana head coach has set his sights on guiding Sudan to their first AFCON triumph.

“Winning the trophy is my goal,” said Appiah in an interview with Akoma FM.

“By God’s grace, we have qualified. We will prepare thoroughly to ensure we have a strong team before the AFCON.

“Once you’re in, you aim for the cup rather than coming out with nothing,” he added.

The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, with the official draw set for January 25 in Rabat, Morocco.

Sudan will now focus on assembling a competitive team to make their mark on the continental stage.

Appiah’s comments follow his team’s impressive qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco.

Sudan currently tops Group B with 10 points from four matches, a strong position that underscores their recent success.

Speaking to BBC Africa, Appiah emphasized the importance of aiming high.

“I tell [the players]: ‘How can you aim to go to the World Cup if you don’t put yourself at the level of Spain, England, or Brazil?’” he said.

The Ghanaian coach also highlighted the unifying power of football, referencing Sudan’s resounding 3-0 victory against South Sudan in Juba.

“Large sections of the crowd joined in with Sudan’s national anthem,” he said. “It brought a lot of unity to both countries.”

Sudan faces stiff competition in Group B alongside Senegal and DR Congo.

Appiah will aim to sustain the team’s strong momentum in the upcoming fixtures against Senegal and South Sudan, scheduled for Matchdays Five and Six in March 2025.

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.

His ambitious goal of leading Sudan to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has now become a reality, a feat he hopes will contribute to easing the ongoing unrest in the country.

Appiah, who signed a three-year contract with the Sudanese Football Association (SFA) in early 2024, has defied the odds to secure Sudan’s spot in the tournament set to take place in Morocco in December 2025.

In an interview with BBC Africa, the former Ghana coach shared his aspirations and motivations for taking on the challenge.

“Qualifying for the Afcon was one of the targets I set for myself before I signed the contract,” he said.

“Another reason I signed was for the people in Sudan, because of the war back home. The players have shown a lot of dedication.”

Despite the humanitarian crisis and the personal struggles faced by his players, Appiah rallied his team to achieve the seemingly impossible.

He emphasized the role football can play in inspiring change and fostering unity.

“This is something the guys can do to help change the war – or stop the war – in Sudan, by trying to qualify for the AFCON or World Cup,” he explained.

Appiah’s leadership and vision have not only reignited Sudan’s football dreams but have also offered a glimmer of hope to a nation yearning for peace.

With Sudan now headed to AFCON 2025, the journey symbolizes the power of resilience and the unifying spirit of sports.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

In October, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as a “nightmare of violence, hunger, disease, and displacement,” with nearly 25 million people in need of humanitarian aid.

Appiah, who previously coached Ghana, played a pivotal role in guiding Sudan to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking to Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, he shared his aspiration to win a significant achievement that could help bring peace to the country.

“I want the team to perform so we can achieve something for the people of Sudan which will bring an end to the unrest, and I believe that there is nothing too hard for God and I don’t underrate myself in anything,” the 63-year-old trainer said.

“I am hoping and believing that these players will support me so we can achieve something better for Sudan,” he added.

Due to the ongoing conflict, Sudan’s national team has been forced to train in Saudi Arabia, with a squad consisting solely of players from African clubs, many from Sudanese rivals Al Hilal and Al Merrikh.

These clubs are temporarily playing in the Mauritanian league due to the unstable political situation in Sudan.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco, will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

READ ALSO

• Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah reveals target ahead of 2025 AFCON
• 2026 World Cup is next target after qualifying Sudan for AFCON – Kwesi Appiah

But he also emphasized how these challenges have motivated his players to excel.

During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Falcons of Jediane were forced to play their home matches in neutral venues due to the violence and instability in Sudan.

The situation has been dire, with the UN’s October report warning that Sudan’s population faces “violence, hunger, disease, and displacement,” with nearly 25 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

Appiah, who previously coached Ghana’s Black Stars before his dismissal in 2020, admitted that the situation has been tough, but also a source of motivation for his squad.

“Playing away from home has been difficult but I spoke to my players and I told them that due to the unrest, they should see any place we play our home games as their home ground,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“This helped us to prepare our minds for the games. Knowing the situation, the players accepted to play even different roles because they were interested in achieving our target,” he added.

Despite these hurdles, Appiah has successfully led Sudan to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Sudan’s only AFCON title came in 1970 when they hosted the tournament, but they have only advanced past the group stage once in the last 24 editions.

READ ALSO

• Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah reveals target ahead of 2025 AFCON
• 2026 World Cup is next target after qualifying Sudan for AFCON – Kwesi Appiah

Appiah, a former Ghana national team coach, led the Falcons of Jediane to secure their place in Africa’s premier football tournament by finishing second in Group F with 8 points.

Despite playing their home matches on neutral grounds due to an ongoing civil war, Sudan managed two wins, two draws, and two losses in the qualifiers.

Looking ahead to the competition, Appiah is optimistic about Sudan’s chances.

“For me, once we have been able to qualify, there is nothing we cannot do and I believe with the help of God, we will do well to ensure we do not embarrass ourselves but rather play to honour the country,” he told Asempa FM‘s Ultimate Sports Show.

Sudan’s only AFCON title came in 1970 when they hosted the tournament. Since then, their performances have been modest, with just one advancement beyond the group stage and participation in only three of the last 24 editions.

The 2025 AFCON will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, offering Sudan a chance to make a significant impact on the continental stage.

READ ALSO

• Kwesi Appiah rules out possible return as Ghana coach
• I will support Black Stars to qualify for 2026 World Cup – Kwesi Appiah

The 63-year-old coach, who signed a three-year contract with the Sudanese Football Association earlier this year, has successfully led the team to secure a spot in next year’s AFCON tournament, set to be held in Morocco, despite the ongoing civil unrest in Sudan.

In the current World Cup qualifying campaign, Sudan leads Group B with 10 points from four matches played.

After guiding Sudan to AFCON qualification, Appiah expressed his ambition to take the team to the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

“When I was appointed, I was not given any target but rather I was told to build a team within a period number of years but I told them that would be difficult due to the unrest and it is just two clubs who were playing in CAF competitions,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“Despite the unrest, 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 and now we have qualified for the AFCON.”

Appiah also reflected on his time with the Sudanese team, mentioning that when he left Sudan in 2015, several players he coached at Al Khartoum were still part of the national squad, and they helped him reconnect with other players.

“When I left Sudan in 2015, five of the players I coached at Al Khartoum were still in the national team so I used them to help get in touch with other players and they helped me a lot,” he added.

He also commended the discipline of Sudanese players.

“Sudanese players are well-disciplined and they are always willing to do more so that helped me a lot. Even during the qualifiers, they always wanted to know if they were doing what was right or not.”

Sudan’s squad is made up entirely of players based in African clubs, many of whom play for domestic rivals Al Hilal and Al Merrikh. Due to Sudan’s political instability, both clubs are temporarily playing in Mauritania’s league.

The Falcons of Jediane will face Senegal and South Sudan in the fifth and sixth match days in March 2025.

READ ALSO

• Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah reveals target ahead of 2025 AFCON
• I will support Black Stars to qualify for 2026 World Cup – Kwesi Appiah

Having signed a three-year contract with Sudan earlier this year, Appiah has led the Falcons of Jediane to secure a spot in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

During the qualification campaign, Sudan held Ghana to a goalless draw in Accra and later secured a 2-0 victory against the Black Stars in Benghazi, Libya.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for the upcoming tournament in Morocco has sparked calls for Black Stars head coach Otto Addo to step down.

Asked if he would consider a return, Appiah insisted that he remains committed to his role with Sudan.

“If you are a professional coach, you will have to always keep in mind that you must be ready for any opportunity but as of now, I have a contract with Sudan,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“For now, I am focused on what I am doing with Sudan but for now, I don’t want to say anything because I don’t want to contradict myself,” he added.

Appiah previously managed the Black Stars from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2020.

He is best remembered for guiding Ghana to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

READ ALSO

• NDC govt will ensure Black Stars qualify for 2026 World Cup – Adams Abdul-Salam
• Asante Kotoko: Prosper Narteh Ogum calls to rally ahead of Super Clash with Hearts of Oak

The Falcons of Jediane secured second place in Group F of the qualifiers with eight points from six matches, edging out Ghana to earn a spot in the tournament. Their impressive performance has been attributed to the recent revitalization of the team under head coach Kwesi Appiah.

Osei-Fosu, a former head coach of Medeama SC and Techiman Eleven Wonders, joined Sudan’s technical team in 2023 under Appiah’s leadership. He lauded the Ghanaian tactician’s influence, crediting him for Sudan’s resurgence.

“Kwesi Appiah goes into every game with the expectation to win, and that is exactly what we are going to do in Morocco. However, we will take it game by game,” he told 3Sports.

“Our expectation going into AFCON 2025 is to win, and we believe we have the quality to do that,” Osei-Fosu added.

Since taking charge in September 2023, Appiah has breathed new life into the Sudanese side, with their qualification for AFCON seen as a testament to his strategic leadership.

While Sudan faces the challenge of competing against traditionally stronger teams, their newfound confidence and determination could make them formidable contenders. Osei-Fosu emphasized that belief and thorough preparation will be pivotal to achieving their lofty ambitions in Morocco.

READ ALSO

• Otto Addo’s future remains undecided, GFA to consult more
• Black Stars must be dissolved – Former Hearts of Oak chief Ernest Thompson

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia began in April last year and has forced over 11 million people from their homes.

Aid workers say it has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis – with the leading cause of death across the country being preventable disease and starvation.

Yet despite that backdrop, coupled with being forced to play their home ties outside of Sudan and the suspension of the domestic league, the Falcons of Jediane will represent their nation at the 2025 Afcon in Morocco.

“It’s something that’s consistently in our minds. Our families are still affected by the war,” forward Abobakar Eisa told Newsday on the BBC World Service.

“The manager always says: ‘When you’re putting on the shirt, you don’t just do it for your family and yourselves. You do it for everyone else’s family, and everyone in Sudan – for your whole country – to lift their spirits up.’

“We’re doing that through football, which is a beautiful thing. We know we’re playing for a much bigger cause.”

A draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan has been vetoed by Russia – a move which British foreign secretary David Lammy described as a “disgrace”.

Meanwhile, a recent study says the number of people killed since the conflict started is significantly higher than previously reported, with United States special envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello saying some estimates suggested up to 150,000 people had been killed.

“[My] family had to migrate to Egypt because you could walk out in the street and there’d be gunshots, or there’d be gunshots flying through windows or walls,” Eisa said.

“It’s very, very dangerous. We’re hoping it gets settled quickly, so people can find peace.

“It’s painful to speak about these things but you have to think that things are going to get better.”

Upsetting the odds – and Ghana

Image source: Sudan FA

Image caption: Sudan have been well supported in their ‘home’ games in the 2025 Afcon campaign

Sudan, ranked 110th in the world, were third seeds in their group when the 2025 Afcon qualifying draw was made in July.

However, taking four points from a double-header against four-time Nations Cup winners Ghana last month put the team, which is coached by former Black Stars player and manager Kwesi Appiah, a point away from reaching the finals.

Appiah’s side fell to a damaging 4-0 defeat away against Niger last week, but Eisa said the squad remained positive heading into their final game against already-qualified Angola on Monday.

“The Niger game took us by surprise,” the 28-year-old, who plays his club football in Thailand, explained.

“On the way home, we said to ourselves we’re more than capable. We knew we had pressure, but at the same time we knew we could get the job done.”

Sudan ground out a 0-0 draw in Benghazi, at their makeshift home stadium, to seal second spot in Group F.

Eisa said the side have fed off the support of the Sudanese diaspora in their two qualifiers hosted in Libya – as well as local supporters – after starting their campaign in South Sudan.

“We’ve had a really big following,” he added.

“Obviously it’s not home, it’s not Sudan, but at the same time it does feel like that with the support that they show and bring to us.

“[Against Angola it] was very loud. We couldn’t hear ourselves.”

Taking on the continent

The delayed 2021 Afcon was Sudan’s most recent outing at the continental showpiece, a campaign that ended in the group stage.

“As a kid, you grow up watching Africa Cup of Nations,” said Eisa, who was not involved last time around.

“To actually be a part of history, and with what’s going on in Sudan, is an amazing feeling.”

Next year’s finals in Morocco will not kick off until 21 December, a delay which Eisa described as “annoying” given the mood amongst the squad.

Yet, despite their handicaps, Sudan are also performing admirably in preliminaries for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

They sit top of Group B, ahead of 2021 Afcon winners Senegal and two-time continental champions DR Congo, with the group winners assured of a place at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

The Teranga Lions are scheduled to travel to face Sudan in March’s international window.

“Our attention quickly goes to that game,” Eisa said.

“It’s like we’ve actually got no time to think about the Afcon at this moment. Senegal are probably the favourites of the group, so we need to show what we’re about.”

With the Nations Cup to look forward to, booking a first-ever World Cup appearance would be all the more remarkable given Sudan’s circumstances – and bring some much needed pride to a nation riven by war.

The Falcons of Jediane secured their spot in the tournament following a goalless draw against Angola in the final round on Monday, finishing second in Group F with 8 points, behind Angola, who topped the group.

Following the achievement, Appiah, alongside assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu and goalkeeper coach Eric Amponsah, celebrated in the dressing room by dancing to King Paluta’s popular song ‘Aseda.’

Appiah, who was appointed earlier this year on a three-year contract, achieved this remarkable feat despite Sudan’s ongoing political turmoil, which forced the team to play all their matches away from home.

Sudan, whose only AFCON title came in 1970 when they hosted the tournament, has faced difficulties in the modern era. The team has reached the knockout stage only once and qualified for just three of the last 24 editions.

However, with Appiah now at the helm, Sudan is aiming to make a strong impact in the 2025 AFCON. This will mark Sudan’s first AFCON appearance since 2012.

READ ALSO

• Kwesi Appiah leads Sudan to 2025 AFCON qualification amid civil challenges
• Ghana loses to Niger in Accra to end 2025 AFCON qualifiers without a win

The qualification was sealed after Sudan played out a goalless draw against Angola in their final Group F match on Monday at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

Sudan finished second in the group with eight points, behind Angola, who topped the group with 14 points.

Appiah, appointed on a three-year contract earlier this year, achieved this feat despite Sudan’s political instability, which forced the team to play all their matches away from home. Undeterred, the team secured crucial points to book their spot in Africa’s premier football tournament.

A standout moment in their campaign came in October when Sudan stunned Appiah’s former team, Ghana, with a 2-0 victory. This win proved decisive in their qualification bid.

Appiah’s achievement draws parallels to the late Sir Jones Attuquayefio, another Ghanaian coach who famously led Benin to the 2004 AFCON—a year when Ghana failed to qualify.

This year, history repeated itself as Ghana’s Black Stars ended their campaign at the bottom of Group F, failing to win a single match and scoring only three goals in six games.

Sudan, who won their only AFCON title in 1970 as hosts, have struggled in the tournament’s modern era. They have advanced beyond the group stage just once and qualified for only three of the past 24 editions.

However, with Appiah at the helm, they now look forward to making their mark in the 2025 edition.

The match saw Niger take an early lead in the 6th minute with a goal from Daniel Sosah, who plays for Kryvbas in Ukraine’s top league.

Youssef Oumarou doubled their advantage, and Sosah extended their lead with a penalty, making it 3-0.

Despite a second-half push by Sudan, led by coach Kwesi Appiah, the Falcons of Jediane could not recover, with Ousseini Badamassi adding a fourth for Niger.

The win lifts Niger to third place in Group F with four points from five matches, behind already-qualified Angola and Sudan, who have 12 and 7 points, respectively.

For Ghana, the result is a significant boost. Had Sudan earned a point, Ghana would have been officially eliminated from the tournament. Now sitting at the bottom of the group, the Black Stars still have a chance to qualify.

A win against Angola in their next match will elevate them to third place with five points, just two behind Sudan and one above Niger.

Ghana’s path to qualification will hinge on a victory over Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2024, combined with a favorable result for Angola against Sudan.

If those conditions are met, the Black Stars could leapfrog Sudan to claim the final qualification spot in Group F.

The former Ghana international earned this recognition for his remarkable work as head coach of the Sudan national team, which he took over last year amid the country’s challenging circumstances.

Since assuming the role, Appiah has led Sudan in 12 matches, achieving 7 wins, 4 draws, and only 1 loss.

Under his leadership, the Falcons of Jediane are on the brink of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a crucial 2-0 victory over Ghana in Libya, after a goalless draw in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Sudan is second in Group F with seven points, trailing Angola by three points. With two matches remaining, they are just one draw away from securing their spot in the AFCON.

Additionally, the team is leading their 2026 World Cup qualifying Group B, with ten points, two points ahead of Senegal after four games.

Appiah, a former coach of the Ghana national team, will be competing for the Coach of the Year title against notable names such as Emerse Fae, Hugo Broos, Pedro Gonçalves, and Jose Gomes, among others.

The CAF Awards ceremony is set to take place in mid-December in Morocco.

Eisa’s remarks follow Sudan’s remarkable performance in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Under Appiah’s guidance, the team achieved a 2-0 victory against Ghana in Libya, building on a goalless draw in the first leg at Accra Sports Stadium.

This victory is particularly significant as it comes 18 months into the civil war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

Despite the ongoing turmoil, Sudan is close to qualifying for the AFCON, needing just one point from their next two matches—a milestone they last reached in 2021.

Speaking to BBC Sport Newsday, Eisa highlighted the broader importance of these games amid the chaos: “With the things that are going on in Sudan right now, the civil war, we’re playing a much bigger game. People are in the streets to watch the games, and this is giving them a lot of joy amongst the chaos that’s been going on. It makes them feel proud.”

Since his appointment in September 2023, Appiah has achieved an impressive record of nine wins, five draws, and four losses in 18 matches.

Eisa emphasized the coach’s impact on the team, particularly in boosting the players’ confidence.

“He brings a lot of experience and he’s changed our mentality into thinking we could beat anyone,” he said.

“I think that’s the biggest difference that you’re seeing here with the Sudanese team. Everyone knows that he’s a legend in his country and what he’s done for his country. But he’s told us he believes that we could do something big together. We’re going step by step but it is coming to fruition now,” he added.

In the AFCON qualifiers, Sudan has secured seven points, with two wins and just one loss. If Appiah successfully leads the team to the 2026 World Cup, his status in Sudanese football could elevate to legendary status.

Currently, Sudan tops their World Cup qualifying group, having outperformed notable teams like Senegal, DR Congo, and Togo.

READ ALSO

• 2025 AFCONQ: I felt dead after Sudan defeat – Otto Addo
• We still have a chance to qualify for 2025 AFCON – Otto Addo insists

The four-time African champions was hoping to return to winning ways after losing to Angola and a draw with Niger in their opening games.

However, the Black Stars struggles continued as they played to a goalless draw in the first leg against Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium, followed by a 2-0 loss in the return leg, which took place in Libya.

Speaking to the Ghana FA media, the 45-year-old coach admitted that the defeat was personally difficult for him.

He acknowledged that support from family and friends was crucial in helping him regain his focus and move forward.

Addo described the past days as emotionally challenging but said the encouragement he received from his loved ones played a key role in lifting his spirits.

“To be honest I was like, the last two days I was dead but now I got a lot of positive feedback also and a lot of support from family and friends and this is the time where I need them and also I think all the players, all the team needs it and this brought me back on track,” Addo said.

The loss has put Ghana in a tough spot, with only two points from four games.

To have a chance at qualifying for the tournament, the Black Stars must win their final group matches against Angola and Niger in November and hope that Sudan drops points in their remaining games.

READ ALSO

• We still have a chance to qualify for 2025 AFCON – Otto Addo insists
• 2025 AFCONQ: It was a hard pill – Ghana coach breaks silence after losing to Sudan

The senior national team had hoped to secure their first win in the qualifiers after a disappointing start, but their struggles continued.

Following a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat in the return leg at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

The loss has put Ghana’s chances of qualification in jeopardy, with the team earning only two points out of a possible 12 after four matches, leaving them in 3rd place in Group F.

“Everybody was down, and the loss was a really hard pill to take. It’s not over yet; mathematically, there is still a chance, and we will do everything we can to keep this chance alive,” Addo told the Ghana FA Media.

“We have a lot to learn, and I think this is a valuable experience. It’s really disappointing that we couldn’t at least win our home games to put ourselves in a better position for the away matches. We need to improve. It’s painful, but we can certainly use this as a lesson to learn from our mistakes,” he added.

Ghana will look to turn things around when they resume their final group matches in November, facing Niger and Angola.

They will hope to secure wins while banking on Sudan, who currently sit 2nd with seven points, losing to Angola and Niger.

READ ALSO

• 2025 AFCONQ: It is shameful we could not win our home games – Otto Addo
• We still have a chance to qualify for 2025 AFCON – Otto Addo insists

Kudus, who plays for West Ham United, was designated as the captain for the crucial doubleheader in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after Thomas Partey was sidelined due to medical issues.

Although Jordan Ayew was next in line to lead the team, Kudus was ultimately chosen to fill the role.

The Black Stars, however, struggled in the matches, drawing 0-0 in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium before suffering a 2-0 defeat in the return leg at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

“I’m not convinced under what circumstance, where we have a Black Stars [captaincy] structure, where who is the captain and the next in line [are defined], and I mean, in such a crucial moment, the captaincy was given to Kudus. There are so many things but we are not there,” Afriyie told Joy Sports.

As a result of these performances, Ghana now finds itself third in Group F, with just two points from four games, putting them on the brink of missing out on AFCON qualification for the first time in 20 years.

The Black Stars will return to the pitch in November for their final two qualifying matches against Niger and Angola, needing both Sudan to lose their matches and themselves to win both games to secure a spot in the tournament set to take place in Morocco next year.

READ ALSO

• 2025 AFCONQ: We are sorry – Mohammed Kudus apologizes after Black Stars shocking defeat to Sudan
• Abandon AFCON, World Cup dream and focus on development – GFA told

Sudan beat the Black Stars 2-0 in a home game played in neutral Libya on Tuesday and need just one point from their last two qualifiers next month to secure a place at the finals.

The civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia began in April last year, leaving millions displaced and many facing famine as the country experiences the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

“With the things that are going on in Sudan right now, the civil war, we’re playing a much bigger game,” Eisa told Newsday on the BBC World Service.

“People are in the streets to watch the games, and this is giving them a lot of joy amongst the chaos that’s been going on. It makes them feel proud.

“Obviously we are hoping that our country gets better, and hopefully we could be a positive thing for our country as well.”

The impact of Appiah

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Sudan boss Kwesi Appiah coached Ghana at the 2013 Afcon and 2014 World Cup

Sudan did become African champions on home soil in 1970 but have failed to make an impact in continental competition since then.

However, head coach Kwesi Appiah has overseen recent progress and the Falcons of Jediane have also made a promising start in qualifiers for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

They were ranked 50 places below Ghana ahead of their Group F double-header this month but their 2-0 victory in Benina followed a 0-0 draw in Accra last Thursday.

Eisa has hailed the impact of Appiah, a Ghanaian who previously managed the Black Stars at the World Cup and Afcon.

“He brings a lot of experience and he’s changed our mentality into thinking we could beat anyone,” the 28-year-old said.

“I think that’s the biggest difference that you’re seeing here with the Sudanese team.

“Everyone knows that he’s a legend in his country and what he’s done for his country. But he’s told us he believes that we could do something big together.

“We’re going step by step but it is coming to fruition now.”

Achieving qualification ‘dream’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Abobaker Eisa was released by League Two club Grimsby Town at the end of last season

Sudan have only featured once at the Afcon finals since 2013, and reaching the 2025 edition in Morocco would be all the more remarkable given the ongoing conflict in the country and the fact the side have been forced to hold their home qualifiers at neutral venues.

“It puts us on the brink of a historic qualification,” Sudanese journalist Abdul Musa told the BBC World Service.

“Everybody knows the situation back home, and it just shows that the togetherness, the chemistry within the team.”

Sudan will round off their Group F campaign with an away tie against Niger and a ‘home’ game against Angola next month.

Both matches are set to be at neutral venues as Niger do not have a stadium fit for international football.

“I think every African kid grew up watching the Africa Cup of Nations and wanting to be a part of it,” said former Bradford City and Grimsby Town man Eisa, who now plays in Thailand.

“Now that we’ve come so close to it, we still need to finish the business. But it’ll be a dream come true for me and for a lot of us.”

The apology came after Ghana’s national team suffered a 2-0 loss to Sudan in the second leg of the qualifiers on Tuesday in Libya. The first leg had ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium last week.

In his statement, Kudus, who captained the Black Stars in the absence of Thomas Partey, expressed his remorse: “As someone who led the team in both games, I am issuing this statement with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility. On behalf of the entire team, I extend our sincerest apologies to the people of Ghana for our recent performances against Sudan in Accra and Libya.”

The West Ham United forward assured fans that the team is committed to learning from their setbacks in the double-header against Sudan and improving in future matches.

“We want to assure Ghanaians that we are dedicated to learning from our mistakes, regrouping, and working tirelessly to bring the Black Stars back to our former glory. We appreciate your unwavering support and loyalty, and we are determined to make you proud again.”

Ghana currently sits third in Group F with two points from four matches, putting their chances of qualifying for the AFCON at risk for the first time in 20 years.

The Black Stars will face Niger and Angola in their final two group matches in November. To qualify for the tournament in Morocco next year, they need to win both games and hope Sudan loses their remaining matches.