Former Ghana head coach, James Kwesi Appiah, has achieved a significant milestone by leading Sudan to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Appiahās accomplishment comes amidst Ghanaās failure to secure a spot in the tournament, marking a bittersweet contrast for Ghanaian football fans.
Sudan sealed their qualification with a goalless draw against Angola in the final round of the AFCON qualifiers. Despite a 4-0 thrashing by Niger in their penultimate match, the Falcons of Jediane showed resilience under Appiahās leadership, finishing second in Group F with eight points from six games.
Appiahās journey with Sudan has been nothing short of remarkable. Tasked with revitalizing a team that has played all its matches on neutral grounds due to security concerns back home, he managed to inspire confidence and deliver results. Notably, Sudanās qualification campaign included a strong performance against Appiahās home country, Ghana.
Facing the Black Stars in a critical doubleheader, Sudan, under Appiah and his assistant Ignatius Osei-Fosu, secured four points. The team held Ghana to a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium before a decisive 2-0 victory in Morocco. This pivotal win underscored Appiahās tactical acumen and ability to rise to the occasion against a former employer.
The road to AFCON qualification began with a narrow 1-0 win over Niger, followed by a 2-1 loss to Angola. Appiahās strategic adjustments allowed Sudan to recover and navigate the remaining fixtures effectively.
Sudanās achievement is even more significant considering their challenging circumstances. The team not only qualified for AFCON but also leads their group in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 10 points, ahead of African giants Senegal.
For Appiah, this success is a personal triumph. The 64-year-old coach, who once led Ghana to the World Cup, has now proven his worth on a different stage, transforming a team many viewed as underdogs into contenders.
The contrast between Sudanās rise and Ghanaās struggles has not gone unnoticed. While Appiah has delivered for his new team, Ghana continues to grapple with disappointing performances under its current management.
Sudanās qualification alongside Angola for the 24-team tournament, set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, is a testament to Appiahās enduring legacy as a football strategist. As the AFCON looms, all eyes will be on Sudan to see if Appiah can lead them to even greater heights.
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