"He’s transformed our mindset," Sudan forward praises Kwesi Appiah

Sudan forward Abobaker Eisa has praised Kwesi Appiah for his significant impact on the team, as the Falcons of Jediane edge closer to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

On Tuesday, Sudan defeated Ghana 2-0 in a 2025 AFCON qualifier, bringing them a step nearer to securing a spot in next year’s continental championship.

The victory against Ghana came exactly 18 months after the civil war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia began.

The civil war, which has taken the lives of numerous Sudanese citizens, has left a big void in the nation – with the natives of the country feeling disassociated with all other activities.

Due to the ongoing war, Sudan has found a new home in Libya, where they play their home qualifying games.

But despite being ravaged by war, a point in their next two games will secure Sudan’s qualification to the AFCON, a feat which they last achieved in 2021.

“With the things that are going on in Sudan right now, the civil war, we’re playing a much bigger game. People are in the streets to watch the games, and this is giving them a lot of joy amongst the chaos that’s been going on. It makes them feel proud,” Abobaker Eisa told BBC Sport Newsday.

The architect of Sudan's impressive qualification campaign is Ghanaian-born coach Kwesi Appiah.

The team has garnered seven points in the AFCON qualifiers, with only one loss and two wins.

Kwesi Appiah's influence is evident throughout the squad, as he approaches the prospect of securing AFCON qualification in his first stint as head coach.

Appiah, since his appointment as Sudan coach in September 2023, has an enviable record of nine wins, five draws and four defeats in 18 games.

Abobaker Eisa acknowledged Kwesi Appiah’s influence on the team, and how he has instilled belief in the players.

“He brings a lot of experience and he’s changed our mentality into thinking we could beat anyone.”

“I think that’s the biggest difference that you’re seeing here with the Sudanese team. Everyone knows that he’s a legend in his country and what he’s done for his country. But he’s told us he believes that we could do something big together. We’re going step by step but it is coming to fruition now,” he said.

Appiah’s status in Sudanese football can reach legendary level if he manages to lead Sudan to the 2026 World Cup.

Sudan lead the way in their World Cup qualifying group, beating the likes of Senegal, Dr Congo and Togo to the summit.