2025 AFCON: Kwesi Appiah guides Sudan to sealing round 16 qualification
30th December 2025
Sudan, coached by Ghanaian tactician James Kwesi Appiah, have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, marking a historic milestone for the Falcons of Jediane.
Qualification Secured
- Sudan sealed progression as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks to Morocco’s victory over Zambia, which confirmed their spot even before the final round of group matches.
- Their decisive 1–0 win against Equatorial Guinea was pivotal, ending a 13-year wait for an AFCON knockout berth.
- The triumph was only Sudan’s second-ever AFCON victory since 1970, and their first since 2012, when they reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions Zambia.
Appiah’s Impact
- Kwesi Appiah has instilled resilience and belief, transforming Sudan from group underdogs into contenders.
- His leadership has brought unity and joy to a nation grappling with political unrest, using football as a powerful catalyst for hope.
- This achievement adds another chapter to Appiah’s storied coaching career, already marked by guiding Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Group Context
- Sudan sit third in their group but are assured of progression.
- They face Burkina Faso in their final group fixture at the Mohammed V Stadium on Wednesday, with pressure eased and confidence boosted.
- Sudan now join Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast in the knockout stage, standing tall among Africa’s elite.
Sudan’s qualification under Kwesi Appiah is more than a footballing achievement—it’s a story of resilience, history, and national pride, as the Falcons of Jediane return to the AFCON knockout rounds after 13 years.