Sudan’s revival under Kwesi Appiah faces its biggest test yet — a showdown with defending champions Senegal. But if the Ghanaian coach’s words are anything to go by, his side will not be parking the bus.
“I don’t go into games to defend. The best way to defend is to attack,” Appiah declared boldly on the eve of the clash. “We’re playing for goals. There are 11 players in each team; why should we stay back?”
Appiah’s approach has sparked a stunning turnaround for the Falcons of Jediane. Once seen as outsiders, Sudan now sit top of their group after humiliating Nigeria 4-0, and need only a draw to seal a quarter-final place.
For Appiah, the mission is crystal clear. “Whether it’s CHAN, AFCON, or World Cup qualifiers, my intention is to win,” he said. “Open-play goals are hard to come by, so we’re perfecting set pieces. Free kicks can change games.”
The results back him up. Sudan have not lost in nearly a year, their last defeat coming in November 2024 against Niger — a dead rubber after they had already secured AFCON qualification. Since then, their resilience and ruthless edge have made them one of the continent’s most in-form sides.
Now, with belief soaring and an unbeaten streak fuelling their fire, Sudan march into battle against Africa’s top-ranked team. Appiah insists they will attack, not retreat.
