I told Sudan players to feel they are Messi or Ronaldo – Kwesi Appiah

Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has spoken about the psychological aspect of his historic qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Appiah, speaking in an exclusive interview with BBC Africa, explained his decision to take up the Falcons of Jediane coaching role despite the country’s insecurity.

Many of Sudan’s players have barely played competitive football since the conflict started last April and the domestic has been suspended.

Appiah and his men have therefore been forced to play home matches in Libya, South Sudan, and Morocco, where they defeated his home country Ghana 2-0 during the qualifiers.

This, however, could not deter the 64-year-old Ghanaian manager from inspiring Sudan to qualify for the continental tournament set to be played in Morocco later this year.

He disclosed how he psyched up his boys to do the unthinkable:

I believe it's a matter of psyching your players to let them feel they are (Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo [so that] any game they go in they don't feel limited.

Wherever you go, that place is our home. Whether we have supporters or not, go out and play for your family, yourself, and the country.

This is something the guys can do to help change the war - or stop the war - in Sudan, by trying to qualify for the Afcon or World Cup.

At least I've given them something to look at and then fight for.

AFCON reflection and war motivation

He reflected on the Secretarybirds’ extraordinary campaign in Group F against Ghana, Angola, and Niger.

Qualifying for the AFCON was one of the targets I set for myself before I signed the contract, so achieving it was something that was on my heart.

Appiah also revealed how Sudan’s difficult condition was a motivator for him to accept the job.

Another reason I signed was for the people in Sudan, because of the war back home. The players have shown a lot of dedication. Who knows, maybe through football the war might even come to an end. And that was something that made me happy.

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup remains Appiah’s next focus as Sudan currently top their qualifying group.

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