AFCON 2025: Kwesi Appiah guides Sudan into Round 16 despite defeat to Burkina Faso in final group match

Ghanaian tactician James Kwesi Appiah has guided Sudan into the Round 16 stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The feat was confirmed on Wednesday despite Sudan’s 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final Group E match of the tournament.

Before the match today, Sudan had already secured three points from their last match when they battled to defeat Equatorial Guinea 1-0. In today’s encounter played at Stade Mohamed V, Burkina Faso wanted the three points more and worked for it.

Their intent was rewarded early when Lassina Traore opened the scoring in the 16th minute, rising above his marker to head home a delightful cross into the left post, leaving the Sudanese goalkeeper with no chance.

Sudan were handed an opportunity to draw level shortly after when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Herve Koffi. However, Al Gozoli Nooh failed to make the most of the chance, sending his effort narrowly wide of the left post as Burkina Faso survived the scare.

The Burkinabe side continued to press and eventually sealed the victory late in the game. In the 85th minute, Arsene Kouassi received a precise pass inside the box and finished clinically with a low strike into the bottom left corner to make it 2-0.

Despite the defeat, Sudan’s earlier results on matchday two ensured their progression to the Round of 16, marking a significant achievement under Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah’s leadership.

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