Kwesi Appiah eyes World Cup qualification with Sudan
By Lukman MUMIN, Accra
Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is hopeful of leading Sudan to the 2026
FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Appiah and his Sudan team surprisingly sit top of Group B after four
matches, ahead of former African champions Senegal and 2023 AFCON
semi-finalist the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Having led Ghana to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Appiah is hoping to
become the first African coach to lead two different countries to the
global showpiece.
“I firmly believe we can achieve this,” he told FIFA’s media channel.
Sudan will face group favourites Senegal in March 2025 when the
qualifiers return and have a two-point advantage over the Teranga Lions.
“We started this campaign with a clear objective: to amass as many
points as possible at home. Our game against Congo DR (a 1-0 win) was
indicative of the determination of the players, who kept going until the
end to secure this crucial victory. After also beating Mauritania away
2-0, the players will go into the upcoming challenges with confidence,”
he added.
“These results have given us an advantage ahead of our clash with
Senegal in March 2025. The Sudanese federation is also doing a
remarkable job, providing excellent conditions for us. Everyone is
contributing to the success of this qualifying campaign.”
He was named Sudan coach in September 2023 and has been charged with the
task of returning the country to the Africa Cup of Nations.
