Football From War-Stricken Sudan

Sudanese football has had to adapt in ways unimaginable to most. The country in Northeast Africa has been facing ongoing civil conflict for nearly two years. It has been entrenched in enormous challenges—displacement, disruption, destruction, and uncertainty.

However, the national team has been a beacon of hope in what has been a terrible time for the people of Sudan. Amid one of the darkest times in their history, they offer a source of pride and unity for a country that is so apart.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia began in April of 2023 following a series of explosions that shook the capital Khartoum. Both groups accused the other of firing first.

Since then, violence persisted, and tensions have risen across the country. It’s been reported that over fourteen million people have been displaced from their homes while the death toll is more than 60,000. Two years on- there is still no end in sight.

Outbreak of Violence

The Sudan Premier League was suspended following the outbreak of violence but shortly after, Sudan’s two biggest clubs were invited to continue to play 5000km away from home. Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh started to play in the Super D1, which is Mauritania’s top division.

They wanted to offer a distraction for those struggling at home and wanted to prove that there is more to life than war. The responsibility of keeping Sudanese domestic football alive has rested on their shoulders.

Both sides are doing more than just competing in Mauritania, sitting 5th and 6th respectively. However, 5th placed Al-Hilal are just six points off top spot with five games in hand on the leaders.  The Sudanese side has won 11 matches, drawn four and lost two this season.

However, Al-Hilal has also defied the odds in the African Champions League this season. They face title-holders Al-Ahly in the quarter-finals of the tournament. Even if they do not overcome the Egyptian side, they can be immensely proud of what they have done as they were even considered outsiders in the group stages.

National Dream

It’s not just the clubs keeping hope alive as the national team has become emblematic for this broken nation. They too have continued to play abroad to help the people back home.

Their home matches have had to be played in Libya but during the games, armed conflicts temporarily cease so people can watch. Fans gather in cafes, around people’s phones, and in some cities, they are lucky enough to follow the football on the big screen. The significance of the world's game cannot be underestimated – especially in Sudan.

Ghanaian manager James Kwesi Appiah was appointed just five months after the country descended into civil war.

Speaking to The National, which is a news publication in the United Arab Emirates, he gave an emotional insight into what the players deal with every day and what he witnesses first-hand.

“The majority of times, we will receive a message that someone in the group has lost a relative, sometimes a parent. Those messages happen almost every time we have been together in the camp.”

Sudan’s footballers and staff members have already defied the realms of possibility as they clinched qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year. They did this at the expense of African powerhouse Ghana despite the team having to play all their matches abroad.

Celebrations spilled into the streets following this incredible achievement, Sudanese flags were waved out the windows, and car horns were blasted in triumph. It was only the second time they qualified for AFCON in the last seven editions – the one they did play in they failed to register a win.

Appiah and the team had given the nation a rare moment of joy. Their qualification was a symbol of the country’s defiance.

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Speaking Out

Appiah also spoke to BBC Sport Africa following securing qualification last year, “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.

"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."

Sudan also finds themselves just one point off the top of their difficult qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup. They are joint on points with Senegal – who are 96 places above Sudan in the FIFA World rankings. The Falcons of Jediane did manage a goalless draw in the most recent international break with the team ranked 17th in the world.

The Miracale

For a team that has been forced to train and play away from home, that result is nothing short of remarkable. The disparity in resources and difference in preparation conditions just shows what a great job this team is doing.

Their unexpected rise in the qualifiers has given belief that the impossible might be possible. However, it goes without saying it will be a gruelling task, especially to finish ahead of Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are both well-established nations in Africa. Senegal has a squad filled with well-known talents such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Lamine Camara.

Meanwhile, DR Congo, two-time AFCON winners, have consistently been a force in African football with experienced players in top European leagues like Yoanne Wissa and Chancel Mbemba. Competing with these players is no small feat for a war-torn nation.

Sudan will have to top the group if they want automatic qualification to the tournament however, they could be given a lifeline if they manage to finish second.  

The four best group runners-up will be drawn into play-offs to determine the sole CAF representative at the inter-confederation play-offs.  

Following their disappointing draw against neighbours South Sudan last Tuesday, this has put added pressure on their final four games left in the group. The Falcons head to Senegal and Togo in September. These games will probably decide Sudan’s fate although they should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.

The Beacon of Hope

For a country battered by conflict, their World Cup dream has become a unifying force in a time when so much has been lost, football has given the Sudanese people something to believe in.

This is one of those cases where it’s about the journey and not the destination. While, if they did manage to qualify it would be an achievement that transcends the sport.

Whether or not they reach the World Cup, the Falcons of Jediane have given their nation something to be proud of. A beacon of hope.

Written and Researched by Ewan Minns

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