Sudan head coach James Kwesi Appiah has declared his ambition to lead the Falcons of Jediane to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, insisting that mere participation is not enough.

Speaking ahead of the tournament’s kick-off in Morocco this weekend, the former Ghana boss emphasized the importance of mentality and belief.

“The goal is not just to participate but to fight for the trophy. I believe with the right mentality, we can achieve it. There’s no point in going to the competition if you don’t aim to win.”

Confidence Over Fear

Appiah stressed that Sudan will respect their group opponents but will not be intimidated:

“We respect them, but we will not fear them. If you go into games thinking about names like Messi or Ronaldo, you lose the battle mentally before it begins.”

Sudan’s Group D Fixtures


  • Dec 24 – vs Algeria (Moulay Hassan Stadium)

  • Dec 28 – vs Equatorial Guinea (Stade Mohammed V)

  • Dec 31 – vs Burkina Faso (Stade Mohammed V)
Context

  • Group D opponents: Algeria (2019 champions), Burkina Faso (semi-finalists in 2021), Equatorial Guinea (quarter-finalists in 2021).

  • Sudan’s last AFCON: Cameroon 2021, eliminated in the group stage.

  • Return to the big stage: Morocco 2025 marks Sudan’s chance to re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite.