Sudan’s head coach, Kwesi Appiah, has set ambitious goals for the Falcons of Jediane, vowing to guide the team to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The 63-year-old Ghanaian signed a three-year contract with the Sudanese Football Association earlier this year. Despite the ongoing civil unrest in Sudan, Appiah successfully led the team to secure a spot in the AFCON tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco next year.
In the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, Sudan currently sits at the top of Group B with 10 points from four matches, showcasing impressive form under Appiah’s leadership.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Appiah shared his vision and determination.
“When I was appointed, I wasn’t given specific targets but was asked to build a team over several years. However, I explained that due to the unrest and limited resources, immediate results would be challenging. Still, I promised to qualify Sudan for both AFCON and the World Cup if supported,” he revealed.
Appiah credited his familiarity with the players, particularly those he previously coached during his time with Al Khartoum, as a key factor in building the team. He also praised Sudanese players for their discipline and eagerness to learn.
“Sudanese players are disciplined and always willing to do more. Even during qualifiers, they constantly sought feedback to ensure they were on the right track,” he added.
The Falcons of Jediane’s squad comprises players from African clubs, primarily Sudanese rivals Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, who are temporarily competing in Mauritania due to Sudan’s political instability.
Sudan will face Senegal and South Sudan in their final Group B qualifiers in March 2025 as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification. With Appiah at the helm, Sudanese fans are hopeful for an unprecedented appearance on the global stage.
