By: Kwame Bediako
Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan has punched their ticket to the Round of 16 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 as one of the third-best third-placed teams.
The qualification came courtesy of Morocco’s hard-fought victory over Zambia on Monday, December 29, 2025, which reshuffled the group standings and propelled the Sudanese side forward despite their modest campaign.
Sudan’s journey marks a rare milestone, as they secured only their second-ever AFCON victory since debuting in 1970.
Appiah, the former Black Stars coach turned Jediane tactician, etched his name further into history with this resilient performance, guiding a team that entered the tournament as underdogs.
The Cranes’ solitary win in the group stage against Equatorial Guinea, proved just enough to edge them into the knockout phase.
Appiah’s strategic nous and the team’s defensive solidity kept them competitive, turning what could have been an early exit into a celebrated advancement.
This achievement underscores Appiah’s growing legacy across African football, having now delivered knockout qualification with Sudan after his storied tenure with Ghana.
Fans in Khartoum and beyond erupted in joy, hailing Appiah’s leadership amid challenging circumstances.
As Sudan prepares for the Round of 16, all eyes turn to their matchup, with Appiah promising a fearless display.
Their qualification adds another layer of excitement to an already unpredictable AFCON, proving that history favors the bold.
