Sudan’s head coach, Kwesi Appiah, has set his sights on guiding the Falcons of Jediane to their first-ever FIFA World Cup after successfully securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 63-year-old Ghanaian tactician, who signed a three-year contract with the Sudanese FA earlier this year, has defied the odds, leading the team to AFCON qualification despite the ongoing civil unrest in the country. Sudan, currently topping Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 10 points from four games, looks poised for another historic achievement.

“When I was appointed, I wasn’t given specific targets. I was only asked to build a team over a few years. However, considering the situation in Sudan, with just two clubs participating in CAF competitions, I told them I wanted to qualify for the AFCON and the World Cup if they could fully support me,” Appiah revealed in an interview with Asempa FM.

Appiah credited his prior experience in Sudan, having coached Al Khartoum in 2015, as a significant factor in his success. “Five players I coached back then are still in the national team. They helped me reconnect with others, which made the process smoother,” he noted.

Appiah also praised the discipline and commitment of Sudanese players. “They are always eager to improve and make sure they’re doing the right thing. Their willingness to learn was key during the qualifiers,” he added.

The Falcons of Jediane consist entirely of players based in Africa, with many hailing from Sudanese clubs Al Hilal and Al Merrikh. Due to the unstable political situation, both clubs have been temporarily competing in the Mauritanian league.

As Sudan prepares for AFCON in Morocco and crucial World Cup qualifiers against Senegal and South Sudan in March 2025, Kwesi Appiah remains optimistic about achieving his ambitious goals.