Sudanese journalist Ibrahim Salih has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Kwesi Appiah, praising the Ghanaian coach’s transformative influence after guiding Sudan to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) win in 13 years.

Historic Achievement


  • Sudan defeated Equatorial Guinea 1–0 in Morocco, their first AFCON victory since 2012 and only their second since 1970.

  • The result has left the Falcons of Jediane on the verge of the knockout stages, needing just a draw against Burkina Faso to progress.

Salih’s Tribute


“To be honest, after God, I believe that Kwesi Appiah has done a lot for Sudan,” Salih told Sporty FM.

He recalled the scepticism surrounding Sudan’s qualification:

“Nobody believed Sudan was going to qualify for AFCON. But Kwesi Appiah offers more than training. He worked on the players’ mentality and made them believe they could do it.”

Salih described Sudan’s presence at AFCON 2025 as surreal, attributing it largely to Appiah’s leadership.

His gratitude extended beyond Sudan:

“We are very happy, and we love Ghana because Kwesi Appiah has done a lot for us. Thank you, Ghana.”

Significance


  • Appiah’s impact goes beyond tactics—he has reshaped the mindset and confidence of Sudan’s squad.

  • His achievement adds another chapter to his coaching legacy, having previously led Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

  • For Sudan, the victory represents not just progress on the pitch but also a source of national pride and unity amid challenging times.

This heartfelt tribute underscores how Kwesi Appiah’s leadership has become a symbol of hope and belief for Sudan, with his influence resonating far beyond football.