Kwesi Appiah, the former Ghana coach, has taken on the role of assembling a team and ensuring their qualification for both the 2026 World Cup and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations on behalf of Sudan.
Following Sudan's failure to qualify for the next year's Africa Cup of Nations, they have shifted their focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to begin in November of the current year.
Appiah, who recently signed a three-year contract with Sudan, is well aware of the high expectations placed on him by the Sudanese Football Association.
"In an interview with Asempa FM, Appiah stated, "The target I have been given is to build a team and ensure the team qualifies for the 2026 World Cup and the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations."
However, he acknowledges the significant challenges he faces in this endeavor, primarily due to the absence of a league in Sudan, resulting from the ongoing political instability. Due to this situation, the Sudanese Football Association has relocated its operations to Saudi Arabia.
Appiah expresses hope for a better future, despite the current challenges, adding, "The only challenge is that there is no ongoing league due to the ongoing war, which has forced them to operate from Saudi Arabia, but I hope order and peace will be restored in the country."
Appiah's tenure as Sudan coach started with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania and a 1-0 victory over Chad, putting an end to a series of poor results for the Sudanese team. Sudan is scheduled to face Togo and DR Congo in the World Cup qualifiers next month.
Appiah is also balancing his responsibilities by serving as a Ghana Football Association Executive Council member and acting as the technical director for Asante Kotoko.
