Despite the relentless civil war ravaging Sudan, the nation’s football team, the Falcons of Jediane, has delivered a rare beacon of hope by securing an unexpected spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.
Since April last year, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia. The violence has displaced over 11 million people and plunged the country into what aid workers describe as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Preventable diseases and starvation have become leading causes of death.
Amid this grim backdrop, Sudanese footballers have overcome immense challenges, including playing home matches outside the country and coping with the suspension of their domestic league, to achieve qualification for Afcon.
Speaking to the BBC World Service, forward Abobakar Eisa reflected on the weight of representing a nation in turmoil.
“Our families are still affected by the war,” he said. “But when we wear the national shirt, we’re reminded that we’re playing not just for ourselves or our families but for the entire country. We’re lifting spirits through football.”
Eisa emphasized the unifying power of the game: “We know our mission is bigger than football. It’s about giving hope to Sudanese people who desperately need it.”
While Sudan’s footballers strive to inspire, the conflict continues to claim lives. Recent estimates suggest the death toll could be as high as 150,000, far exceeding earlier figures. A draft UN resolution calling for a ceasefire was vetoed by Russia, drawing condemnation from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who called it a “disgrace.”
Eisa shared his personal connection to the tragedy: “My family had to flee to Egypt. Back home, it was too dangerous—gunfire on the streets, bullets piercing windows and walls. We’re hoping for peace soon.”
Though the challenges are immense, Sudan’s qualification for Afcon serves as a reminder of resilience and the unifying power of sport. As Eisa put it: “It’s painful to speak about these things, but we have to believe that better days are ahead.”
The Falcons of Jediane will head to Morocco carrying not just the hopes of their fans but also the dreams of a nation yearning for peace and stability.
Upsetting the odds – and Ghana
Ranked 110th globally, Sudan entered the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers as third seeds in their group. Yet, defying expectations, the Falcons of Jediane secured their place at the tournament with a hard-fought campaign under the guidance of coach Kwesi Appiah, a former Ghanaian international and Black Stars manager.
Sudan’s path to qualification gained momentum last month with an impressive four-point haul from back-to-back matches against four-time Afcon champions Ghana. This left them just one point away from the finals. However, a crushing 4-0 loss to Niger last week posed a significant setback.
Forward Abobakar Eisa, who plays club football in Thailand, admitted the defeat caught the team off guard.
“We didn’t expect that result against Niger,” the 28-year-old said. “But on the way back, we reminded ourselves of our capabilities. We felt the pressure, but we knew we could rise to the occasion.”
Facing already-qualified Angola in their final match, Sudan delivered a resilient performance. A goalless draw at their temporary home ground in Benghazi, Libya, was enough to secure second place in Group F and a ticket to Morocco for the 2025 Afcon.
The team’s success came despite the challenges of playing home games away from Sudan due to the ongoing civil war. Initially hosting matches in South Sudan, Sudan moved their qualifiers to Libya, where they found an unexpected wave of support from the Sudanese diaspora and local fans alike.
Eisa spoke about the overwhelming encouragement from supporters in Benghazi.
“We’ve had incredible backing,” he said. “It’s not home, but it feels like it with the energy and passion they bring. Against Angola, it was so loud we could barely hear ourselves on the pitch.”
Despite the adversity they face, Sudan’s footballers have proven their resilience and determination, offering hope and pride to their nation. Their qualification for the 2025 Afcon is a testament to their unity and strength in the face of overwhelming odds.
The delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) marked Sudan’s last appearance at Africa’s biggest football stage, ending in a disappointing group-stage exit. This time, the Falcons of Jediane are determined to leave a lasting impression, fueled by resilience and national pride.
For forward Abobakar Eisa, the opportunity to represent Sudan at the Afcon is a childhood dream come true.
“As a kid, you grow up watching the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Eisa, who missed the previous tournament. “To now be part of history, especially considering the situation in Sudan, is an incredible feeling.”
Sudan’s qualification for the 2025 Afcon comes at a time of turmoil back home, making the achievement all the more significant.
Next year’s tournament in Morocco, delayed until December 21, has left the team eager to sustain their momentum. While Eisa admitted the delay is “annoying,” the squad’s focus has already shifted to another major goal: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sudan currently tops Group B in World Cup qualifying, an impressive feat given their challenging circumstances. They lead a group that includes defending 2021 Afcon champions Senegal and two-time winners DR Congo.
March’s international break will see Sudan host Senegal, a critical fixture in their quest to secure a historic first World Cup berth.
“Our attention is already on that game,” Eisa said. “Senegal are likely the group favorites, so we need to step up and show our quality.”
Balancing the excitement of an Afcon return with the ambition of a World Cup qualification presents a unique challenge for Sudan. Achieving both would not only elevate their footballing status but also provide a much-needed source of pride and hope for a nation enduring difficult times.
For now, the Falcons of Jediane remain steadfast in their resolve to make 2025 a year of triumph on multiple fronts.
SOURCE: BBC AFRICA
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
