James Kwesi Appiah, the coach of Sudan’s national football team, describes the ongoing impact of civil war on players, who often receive tragic news from home. The team remains unbeaten in World Cup qualifying matches and aims for a historic qualification while providing moments of peace and hope amidst chaos. Appiah emphasizes the players’ determination and commitment, highlighting recent successes and the inspiration gained from the diaspora.
James Kwesi Appiah, managing the Sudanese football team, reports that every day without distressing news from home is a positive one. However, such days are rare, as players often learn about fatalities among relatives due to ongoing conflict. Appiah notes, “Really, those messages happen almost every time we have been together in the camp.” The war has deeply affected the players, who strive to create moments of peace through their sport.
As Sudan prepares to face Senegal in Libya, they are driven by an unbeaten record in World Cup qualifiers, having defeated strong teams like DR Congo and Afcon champions Senegal. Though they lack home advantage due to the war, they are motivated to secure a place at next summer’s finals in North America, a significant milestone since Sudan has never qualified for a World Cup.
Appiah emphasizes that the players, lacking renowned stars, possess a strong sense of mission and determination. He expresses, “The thing we can do is make the people of Sudan happy,” noting that their success brings temporary peace. The ongoing war has transformed their lives, leading to a suspension of the local league since April 2023, pushing players to seek practice venues in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Mauritania.
Despite these challenges, Sudan’s clubs have been active, even competing in the Mauritanian league, where they participate without title contention. With their recent competitive play maintaining athletes’ activity, they have also reached the quarter-finals in the prestigious African Champions League. Abiding by the philosophy that Sudanese football has strength, Appiah took the national coaching role amidst conflict, believing in the team’s potential.
His prior experience leading Ghana to the 2014 World Cup equips him for this unique challenge. Appiah highlights the unexpected victory over Ghana last autumn that propelled Sudan into the 2025 Afcon, signaling a significant achievement for the team and country. He has balanced commitments to Sudan while addressing issues such as staff payment delays, vital for maintaining team morale.
Facing Senegal, Appiah’s team is aware of the formidable opposition but aims to prove that talent can emerge from less recognized backgrounds. He instills confidence in his players, urging them, “Don’t belittle yourselves. You’re strong and athletic.” With an ever-evolving squad enriched by members from the Sudanese diaspora, they look to enhance their competitive edge.
Recent recruits, such as defender Abdelrahman Kuku, showcase the breadth of global talent available to Sudan. Appiah has established training facilities in Saudi Arabia, allowing the team to bond and prepare effectively. The top-notch accommodations and friendly matches provide a reprieve from the harsh realities back home, as he conveys, “We hear from people following our matches from everywhere… What we can do is put a smile on their faces.”
James Kwesi Appiah’s leadership amidst the backdrop of civil war highlights the resilient spirit of Sudan’s national football team. Their journey reflects a quest for peace and hope, as they strive to qualify for significant tournaments and uplift their country’s spirits. The team’s determination and recent successes serve as reminders of the unifying power of sport, despite overwhelming odds and challenges.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
