As Sudan continues to grapple with intense conflict between its national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the national football team’s coach, James Kwesi Appiah, has embarked on a mission to change the nation’s narrative by using football as a tool for unity and reconciliation.
The Falcons of Jediane, Sudan’s national football team, achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Morocco, despite playing all their qualification matches outside the country due to insecurity.
Kwesi Appiah, who took on the coaching role
during these turbulent times, emphasized that his mission goes beyond winning
matches to addressing the root causes of the nation’s unrest.
In an interview with the BBC, Appiah expressed his belief that football can serve as a catalyst for peace. He said: “Since I took this job, my first goal was to secure AFCON qualification, and I’m thrilled we achieved it.
But the main reason I accepted this responsibility was
my belief that football could help end the wars in our country. Who knows?
Maybe football can bring a resolution to all of this.”
Following The Falcons of Jediane's
qualification for AFCON, a historic moment unfolded as soldiers laid down their
weapons and joined civilians in celebration. This event highlighted football’s
potential to unify people, regardless of the challenges they face.
Appiah believes that achieving even greater milestones, such as qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, could further strengthen efforts to restore peace in Sudan.
He stated: “I spoke to my players
and encouraged them to perform for their country with the same passion as
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo do for theirs. I reminded them of the
hardships their families endure and urged them to turn that sorrow into joy
through their performance.”
Sudan is currently leading Group B in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, competing against Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, South Sudan, and Mauritania.
Appiah stressed that success in
these qualifiers would be a significant step toward ending the conflict. He
concluded: “Ultimately, peace will return, and people will celebrate the role
football played in transforming our nation’s history.”
The Sudan conflict which began in 2023, has
claimed over 24,000 lives and displaced around 11 million people. Despite these
hardships, The Falcons of Jediane continue to inspire hope and
resilience among their compatriots. 
Sudan Coach James Kwesi Apiah want to change want to change national team a tool of unity and reconciliation
Kin
RSS 
