Following Sudan’s historic breakthrough at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a Sudanese journalist has delivered a heartfelt tribute to head coach , crediting the Ghanaian tactician as the driving force behind the team’s remarkable resurgence on the continental stage.
Sudan’s 1–0 victory over marked their first Africa Cup of Nations win in 13 years and sent shockwaves across African football. The result not only revived Sudan’s hopes at the tournament but also symbolised a deeper transformation within the national team, one that many observers believe would not have been possible without Appiah’s influence.
Reacting to the historic achievement, Sudanese journalist spoke emotionally about the impact of the former Ghana coach, placing his contribution in the highest possible regard.
“To be honest, after God, I believe that Kwesi Appiah has done a lot for Sudan,” Salih said, underscoring the magnitude of the coach’s achievement. According to him, Appiah’s role went far beyond tactics and training drills, touching the very mindset of the players and reshaping how they viewed themselves on the continental stage.
Salih recalled that prior to Sudan’s qualification for the tournament, expectations were extremely low, both locally and internationally. Many football followers had written off the Falcons of Jediane, describing them as outsiders with little chance of competing against Africa’s more established football nations.
“Nobody believed Sudan was going to qualify for AFCON,” Salih noted. “But Kwesi Appiah has a lot more than training. He worked on their mentality and made our players believe that they can do it.”
That belief has now translated into tangible success on the pitch. Sudan’s disciplined display against Equatorial Guinea showcased a team playing with confidence, organisation, and resilience, qualities that have become hallmarks of Appiah’s coaching philosophy.
For Salih and many Sudanese fans, simply seeing their national team competing confidently at the Africa Cup of Nations feels surreal. He described Sudan’s presence at the tournament in Morocco as a dream come true, one he firmly believes was made possible by the Ghanaian coach’s leadership and vision.
“Being here feels like a dream,” Salih said. “And this dream would not have been possible without Kwesi Appiah.”
The admiration for Appiah has also fostered a renewed sense of goodwill towards Ghana among Sudanese supporters. Salih expressed deep gratitude to the West African nation for producing a coach who has given Sudanese football a new sense of purpose and pride.
“We are so happy, and we love Ghana very well because Kwesi Appiah has done a lot for us,” he said, concluding his remarks with a heartfelt message: “Thank you, Ghana.”
Appiah’s journey with Sudan has been widely praised for its emphasis on mental strength, unity, and belief. Rather than focusing solely on technical aspects, the coach has prioritised building confidence within a squad that had long struggled with self-doubt and inconsistency on the international stage.
Football analysts observing Sudan’s campaign at AFCON 2025 have noted a visible change in the team’s approach. The players appear more composed, tactically disciplined, and fearless when facing opponents with stronger reputations. This shift has been credited largely to Appiah’s ability to instil belief and demand accountability from his players.
With the victory over Equatorial Guinea, Sudan now find themselves on the brink of qualification to the knockout stages. They require only a draw in their final Group E encounter against to secure progression, a scenario that would have seemed unimaginable just a few months ago.
The possibility of advancing beyond the group stage represents a significant milestone for Sudanese football, reflecting not only improved performances but also renewed optimism among fans and stakeholders. For a nation that has endured years of footballing struggles, the current campaign has reignited hope and belief in what is possible with the right leadership.
Kwesi Appiah, who previously managed Ghana’s national team, has once again demonstrated his ability to work under pressure and inspire teams to exceed expectations. His impact in Sudan is increasingly being viewed as one of the most impressive coaching stories of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
As Sudan prepare for their decisive final group match, the sense of belief within the camp remains strong. Regardless of how the tournament ultimately unfolds, many Sudanese supporters already regard this AFCON campaign as a turning point in their football history.
For journalist Ibrahim Salih, the message is clear: Sudan’s success is no accident. It is the product of belief, leadership, and a coach who dared to make his players dream again.
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