Kwesi Appiah, the former head coach of Ghana’s national football team, has expressed his desire to use football as a means to promote peace in Sudan, a country torn apart by civil war. Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leaving millions displaced and in need of humanitarian aid. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently described the crisis as a “nightmare of violence, hunger, disease, and displacement.” Despite these challenges, Appiah has achieved a significant milestone by leading Sudan to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a feat that has brought hope to the nation.
In a conversation on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Appiah shared his aspirations to use Sudan’s football success as a unifying force to ease the ongoing unrest. “I want the team to perform so we can achieve something for the people of Sudan which will bring an end to the unrest,” the 63-year-old coach stated. He emphasized his faith in God and his players, expressing optimism that their efforts on the pitch could inspire hope and solidarity in the war-torn nation. Despite the challenges of training abroad in Saudi Arabia due to the conflict, and relying on players from African clubs, including Sudanese rivals Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, Appiah remains determined to make a positive impact.
The Sudanese national team’s qualification for AFCON 2025, scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, symbolizes a significant step forward for the country amidst its political instability. Sudanese clubs, temporarily playing in Mauritania’s league due to the unrest, highlight the extreme challenges the nation’s football infrastructure faces. However, Appiah sees the tournament as an opportunity to shine a light on Sudan’s resilience and to inspire unity among its people. His vision reflects the transformative power of sports in fostering peace, promoting hope, and creating a sense of national pride even during the darkest times. As Sudan prepares for AFCON, Appiah’s mission serves as a testament to the potential of football to heal and unite communities ravaged by conflict.
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