Defying War: Sudan Edges Closer to World Cup and African Nations Cup
Source: DW
Despite the human toll and destruction from the civil war in Sudan, the national football team is achieving unprecedented results, making the dream of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup closer than ever.
Since the civil war began in April 2023, the Sudanese people have endured immense suffering. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to at least 15,000 deaths, according to the International Rescue Committee, with some estimates reaching as high as 150,000. Reports indicate that approximately 25 million Sudanese, nearly half the population, are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, and around 12 million have been forced to flee their homes.
In the face of death, destruction, hunger, and disease, football may not seem like a priority. However, the national team cannot ignore the suffering of its homeland. Defender Abdurrahman Koko told DW, “The war impacts the team deeply, as it does every part of our lives. The players worry about their families because the situation in the country can change at any moment.”
Despite these difficult circumstances, the players—representing Sudan, which ranks 120th globally according to FIFA—find inspiration amid adversity. “When we play, we know we’re not just playing for ourselves but for an entire nation that looks to us for hope. We play with all our strength and want to bring joy to the Sudanese people. Although the pressure is immense, it drives us to achieve more,” Koko added.
Football Absent in Sudan
Unsurprisingly, the war has led to the suspension of the local league. Under these conditions, Sudans top two clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, opted to compete in the Mauritius league this season. Although they lead the standings, neither club will be awarded the championship title, as the competition does not grant a title to the top-ranked team.
Despite the challenges, players from Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh continued training and playing, which positively impacted the national team. In October, Sudan played two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Ghana, one of Africas strongest teams. Sudan started with a 0-0 draw in Accra and then achieved a stunning 2-0 victory in the return match held in Libya due to security concerns. Though the match wasn’t held in Khartoum or Omdurman, it was a crucial step in the team’s journey.
Abdurrahman Koko, who now plays in Libya after leaving Al-Merrikh in September, expressed his feelings: “Of course, playing on our own soil would be better. Who wouldn’t want to play in front of their people and family? Nothing can match that feeling. It’s a huge advantage we’re missing right now.”
Sudans win over Ghana placed them second in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group. The team now needs only two points from its final two games to secure qualification for the tournament for the fourth time in 49 years. In World Cup qualifiers, Sudan currently leads its group with 10 points from four matches, two points ahead of Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest teams.
Though the road to the 2026 World Cup remains long, fans in Sudan are beginning to believe that this dream could become a reality.
Fan Faheem Ahmed commented, “We never dreamed of qualifying for the World Cup even before the war. But just getting close to this achievement would be amazing. Much credit goes to the coach.”
James Kwesi Appiah, former coach of Ghana’s national team, took over as Sudan’s coach in 2023 and has transformed the squad. Under his leadership, Sudan has lost only two out of 14 matches.
Abdurrahman Koko praised the coach: “I think the team’s mindset has changed because of him. He instills confidence and belief in each player. When he says he’ll lead us to the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup, we believe him.”
Sudan’s First World Cup Appearance on the Horizon
Though Sudan has never qualified for a World Cup, football is hugely popular among Sudanese people. Former national team coach Stephen Constantine, who coached the team between 2009 and 2010, told DW, “When we trained at Al-Merrikh or Al-Hilal stadiums, it wasn’t unusual to have 10,000 to 15,000 people watching the training.”
Constantine, now coaching Pakistan’s national team, added that football remains the country’s number one sport. As matches approached, the situation became challenging due to crowding, often requiring doors to be closed, making it difficult for him even to hear himself.
Constantine considers Sudan a mid-level football country in Africa but believes qualifying for the World Cup would be a monumental achievement. “Such a feat would have a massive morale boost for the country. However, Sudan still has a long way to go to reach that level.”
Sudanese fan Ahmed sees qualifying for the World Cup as more than just achieving a dream; he views it as a chance for the world to focus on Sudan’s situation. “Reaching the World Cup is a big dream, but it also means the world won’t forget Sudan and everything happening here. There would be international attention, which is what our people need,” he said.
Although the primary goal is to qualify for the World Cup, the journey holds deeper meaning. Sudanese national team player Abdurrahman Koko said, “Our current performance brings smiles to people who have suffered so much, lost loved ones, and lost their homes. When we play, we give them a rare moment of joy and a chance to feel proud, even if just for a short while.”
Continuing Preparations for the African Nations Cup Qualifiers
The Sudanese national football team, the “Saqour Al-Jedian” (Falcons of Jedian), is preparing to face Niger in the penultimate match of Group F for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which will be held in Morocco. The crucial match between the two teams is scheduled for November 14.
In the World Cup qualifiers, Sudan tops its group ahead of teams like Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, South Sudan, and Mauritania. In the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, the Falcons of Jedian are in second place behind Angola, ahead of Ghana and Niger, bringing the team closer to achieving its dream of qualifying for the continental championship.
Since the outbreak of war, the Falcons of Jedian have played eight official matches, winning five, drawing two, and losing one. Due to Sudan’s security situation, these matches are being played on neutral grounds in South Sudan and Libya.
