In a nation gripped by one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, Sudan’s national football team has provided a rare glimmer of hope by qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco. The Falcons of Jediane defied the odds, navigating a tumultuous backdrop of war, displacement, and the suspension of domestic football to secure their place on the continent’s biggest stage.
Since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023, over 11 million Sudanese have been displaced, with countless lives lost to preventable diseases and starvation. Despite these dire conditions, the national football team carried the hopes of a fractured nation. Forced to play home games in South Sudan and Libya, the team has drawn strength from the diaspora and local fans in their makeshift stadiums.
“It’s always in our minds. Our families are affected by the war,” said forward Abobakar Eisa, who plays club football in Thailand. “When we put on the shirt, we play for every family in Sudan – for the entire country. It’s about lifting spirits.”
Ranked 110th in the world and seeded third in their Afcon qualifying group, Sudan’s campaign was expected to be challenging. Yet, the team exceeded expectations, securing four points in two matches against four-time champions Ghana. Despite a heavy 4-0 loss to Niger, Sudan held their nerve in a final group game against Angola, grinding out a goalless draw to seal second place in Group F and book their ticket to Morocco.
The team has fed off the energy of their supporters, including Sudanese fans in Libya. “It’s not Sudan, but it feels like home with the support we’ve received,” Eisa said, reflecting on the electric atmosphere during the Angola match.
This marks Sudan’s first Afcon appearance since the delayed 2021 tournament, where they exited in the group stage. For Eisa, being part of this journey is a dream come true. “As a kid, you watch the Africa Cup of Nations. To be part of history, especially with what’s going on in Sudan, is incredible.”
The Falcons’ focus now shifts to the preliminaries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they lead Group B ahead of heavyweights like Senegal and DR Congo. A high-stakes clash with 2021 Afcon winners Senegal looms in March, with group winners securing a direct spot at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
“Our attention quickly goes to that game,” Eisa explained. “Senegal are the favorites, but we need to show what we’re about.”
While Sudan continues to endure the devastating effects of war, its footballers have emerged as a symbol of resilience and pride. Their success serves as a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to unite and inspire, even in the darkest of times.
As the team prepares for the 2025 Afcon and chases a historic World Cup berth, their achievements provide a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for peace and stability.
