Sudan defied the odds to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, in spite of the civil war currently raging in the country. Sudan is currently engulfed in a civil war which the UN has called one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time.
As a result of the conflict, the Sudan national team played all of their Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers away from home, bouncing between neighbors South Sudan and Libya. The majority of the Sudan squad play club football domestically in Sudan Premier League, which had to be partially absorbed into the Mauritania and Rwandan top flights. Needless to say, preparations have not been ideal for Sudan, but so much credit needs to be given to the players and their coach, James Kwesi Appiah, the former coach of Ghana, for pushing Sudan to qualification.
Qualification came down to the final matchday as Sudan needed a point against already qualified group leaders Angola. Sudan earned a 0-0 draw at ‘home’ in Libya to reach their 10th Africa Cup of Nations, and first since 2021. Sudan have lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in the past, during the 1970 edition of the tournament which Sudan hosted. Since then though, Sudan have had their struggles. They have failed to advance from the Group Stage of the tournament since 2012.
Football can’t solve all problems, but if Sudan can put in a strong showing in Morocco, it can hopefully bring some joy to so many people suffering at home.
Potential Starting XI
Coach
James Kwesi Appiah
Appiah has done a fantastic job in steering this Sudan squad back to the Africa Cup of Nations despite all the troubles at home. Appiah is a former head coach of his native Ghana, leading them out at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Players to Watch
Mohamed Abdelrahman
Age: 32
Position: CF
Caps/Goals: 61/23
Club: Al Hilal SC (Sudan)
Abdelrhman is the leading goal-scorer in the Sudan squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. The striker was a member of the last AFCON squad in 2021.
Walieldin Khedr
Age: 30
Position: DM/CM
Caps/Goals: 61/3
Club: Al Hilal SC (Sudan)
Capable of playing anywhere in Sudan’s usual midfield 3, but Khedr is likely to line-up in a more defensive role. Another one of the Al Hilal contingent in the squad, Khedr was an ever-present during qualifying, starting in all but 1 match.
Sudan Schedule
December 24, 2025 vs. Algeria – Rabat
December 28, 2025 vs. Equatorial Guinea – Casablanca
December 31, 2025 vs. Burkina Faso – Casablanca
Country Information
Did you know…
Sudan boasts the most pyramids in the world, with over 200 spread throughout the country.
