Kwesi Appiah, the Ghanaian coach, has made history by guiding Sudan to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite challenging circumstances, including political instability in the country.
Sudan’s qualification is a testament to Appiah’s leadership, determination, and tactical expertise.
Sudan’s road to AFCON was far from easy. Due to the political unrest, Sudan was forced to play all of its home matches in neutral venues, which added significant pressure on the team.
However, under Appiah’s guidance, they managed to secure eight valuable points in Group F, earning them a spot in next year’s tournament.
A pivotal moment in Sudan’s qualification came in October, when they defeated Appiah’s former team, Ghana, 2-0 in what was a highly emotional and decisive match for both sides. That victory put Sudan in a strong position to qualify and was a major blow to Ghana’s AFCON hopes.
On Monday, Sudan sealed their qualification with a 0-0 draw against Angola in their final group match, ensuring they finished second in the group and booked their place in Morocco for the 2025 AFCON.
Appiah’s success with Sudan draws comparisons to the legendary Sir Jones Attuquayefio, who famously led Benin to the 2004 AFCON after Ghana failed to qualify that same year. This marks the first time Ghana has missed out on Africa’s premier football competition since then.
While Sudan is celebrating their historic achievement, Ghana’s journey in the qualifiers has ended in disappointment.
The Black Stars finished at the bottom of Group F, failing to secure a single win in six matches. Scoring only three goals throughout the campaign, the team struggled to find consistency and form.
This failure to qualify for AFCON, after their disappointing campaign, has raised serious questions about the future of the national team and their leadership.
For Appiah, the triumph with Sudan represents a major career milestone, especially considering the constraints the team faced during the campaign.
Meanwhile, Ghana will reflect on missed opportunities, hoping to make the necessary changes as they rebuild for future competitions.
