With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, Sudan’s national team, the Falcons of Jediane, find themselves in turmoil. Their head coach, James Kwesi Appiah, has refused to join the team’s 12-day training camp in Saudi Arabia, citing unpaid wages.

Appiah, a former Black Stars coach, reportedly avoided a scheduled meeting with Sudan FA Vice President Osama Atta Al-Mannan after recently visiting Ghana. His absence casts a shadow over Sudan’s preparations as they prepare for crucial Group B clashes against Senegal on March 18 and South Sudan on March 24.

Despite the Sudan FA’s efforts to resolve the financial dispute, tensions remain high. The team, currently leading Group B with 10 points after four matches, has also scheduled a friendly against Jordan. They are set to move to Libya on March 17, just days before the qualifiers resume.

With their World Cup hopes at stake, Sudan faces a race against time to mend the rift with their head coach before their campaign resumes. Will Kwesi Appiah return, or will the Falcons have to take flight without him?