Kwesi Appiah speaks emotionally ahead of Sudan’s AFCON 2025 clash with Senegal

Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has spoken emotionally ahead of their difficult showdown against Senegal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Sudan will face Group D leaders Senegal in the Round of 16, after finishing third in Group E. The encounter will take place at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Saturday, January 3, and will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Appiah said:
“Senegal are a very strong team, and we are here to present Sudan in the best possible way.”

He highlighted the key strengths of his squad, adding:
“The strengths of the Sudan national team lie in team spirit, sense of responsibility, and the quality of the players. Everyone’s goal is to put a smile on the faces of the Sudanese people.”

Appiah also spoke about a psychological challenge facing his players and staff off the pitch.
“Sometimes players and members of the technical staff receive difficult news about their families. We know that fighting to raise the Sudanese flag is the only way to bring happiness to our people,” he said.

The Ghanaian coach emphasized the difference between group-stage matches and knockout football, stating:
“The group stage is completely different from knockout matches. We respect Senegal.”

He concluded:
“We have faced Senegal before in World Cup and AFCON qualifiers, and in the end, football matches are decided on the pitch.”

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