Group E
Fixture
*Equatorial Guinea Vs Algeria – 7pm
*Sudan Vs Burkina Faso – 7pm
Table
- Algeria – 6
- Burkina Faso – 3
- Sudan – 3
- EQ Guinea – 0
Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has said his team is playing with a strong sense of responsibility at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, as the country continues to endure a devastating civil war.
Sudan was plunged into conflict in April 2023 after a vicious power struggle erupted between the national army and the powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The war has since triggered famine and drawn accusations of genocide in the western Darfur region, with growing fears for civilians in the city of el-Fasher following its recent capture by the RSF.
More than 150,000 people are reported to have died, while about 12 million have been forced to flee their homes, in what the United Nations has described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Against this backdrop, the Falcons of Jediane prepare to face Botswana on New Year’s Eve at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with second place in Group E at stake behind already-qualified leaders Algeria.
While both teams have secured progression to the Round of 16, the match will determine whether Sudan finish second or third in the group.
Appiah said the ongoing war has placed extra emotional weight on his players, but has also strengthened their resolve to represent their nation with pride.
“The situation is difficult for us, as everyone knows what Sudan is going through because of the war,” Appiah said, as quoted by CAF.
“Despite that, our players have given everything. Our goal is to bring a smile to the faces of Sudanese people and make them proud.”
The coach stressed that qualification alone is not enough, insisting his team must prove they deserve to be at the tournament.
“When you qualify for a competition, you must show why you deserve to be there,” he said. “We will fight to win.”
Sudan have three points – A Saul Coco own goal gave them a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
Sudan won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1970 but the win against Equatorial Guinea was just their second victory in 18 matches across six appearances at the tournament since then.