Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is on a mission to lead Sudan to a crucial victory against his home country in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
As the two sides face off in Accra on Thursday, the pressure is mounting for the Black Stars, who have struggled in their campaign so far.
Ghana’s Struggles in Group F
The Black Stars have had a disappointing start to their AFCON qualifiers, currently sitting third in Group F. With only the top two teams from the group advancing to the tournament in Morocco, Ghana’s path is increasingly uncertain.
Last month, Ghana faced two tough matches—first losing at home to Angola and then letting a lead slip away to draw against Niger. These results have left them trailing behind Angola and Sudan, who are first and second, respectively.
Sudan’s rise in the group standings, despite being 50 places below Ghana in the world rankings, has put Ghana in a precarious position. If Ghana fails to secure a win against Sudan, their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON could be severely jeopardized.
Kwesi Appiah’s Impact with Sudan
Kwesi Appiah, who previously had two stints as Ghana’s head coach, is now at the helm of Sudan’s national team.
The 64-year-old has quickly impressed with his management of the team, even leading them to the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, which includes Senegal.
Sudan’s impressive form under Appiah has given them newfound confidence as they prepare to face Ghana.
Sudan’s consistent scorer, Mohamed Abdelrahman, will be a key player to watch. Known for his ability to find the back of the net, Abdelrahman could be the deciding factor in Sudan’s attack.
Kwesi Appiah’s tactical knowledge of Ghana’s weaknesses, combined with his experience, could give Sudan the edge they need in this crucial match.
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Ghana’s Squad Issues: Injuries and Absences
Ghana’s struggles are further compounded by injuries to key players. Head coach Otto Addo has had to make significant adjustments, with four players ruled out due to injuries.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is the most notable absentee, leaving a significant gap in Ghana’s midfield. Partey’s absence will force Ghana to rethink their approach, as he has been instrumental in controlling the tempo of their play.
The absence of such a crucial player comes at a critical time for the Black Stars, who cannot afford to drop more points.
Addo will need to find alternative strategies to compensate for these losses, as a defeat against Sudan could seriously hinder their chances of progressing in the competition.
The Stakes Are High for Both Teams
As Ghana hosts Sudan in Accra, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Ghana, it’s a must-win situation to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
A loss or draw would mean they fall further behind Angola and Sudan, leaving them with a daunting task in the remaining group matches. The pressure on coach Otto Addo and his players is immense, and the home crowd will be expecting nothing less than a win.
On the other hand, Kwesi Appiah and Sudan have everything to gain. A victory would solidify their position in the group and push them closer to qualification.
For Appiah, this match is not just about points; it’s a personal mission to prove his tactical prowess and make a statement against his home nation.
Key Players to Watch in the Match
The outcome of this crucial clash could hinge on the performances of a few key players from both teams. For Sudan, Mohamed Abdelrahman is the player to watch. His consistent goal-scoring record makes him a major threat to Ghana’s defense.
Kwesi Appiah will likely structure his game plan to maximize Abdelrahman’s impact, especially against a Ghanaian defense that has shown vulnerability in recent matches.
For Ghana, the absence of Thomas Partey is a significant blow, but the team still boasts other talented players capable of making a difference.
Forward Jordan Ayew will need to step up and lead the attack, while midfielder Mohammed Kudus could play a crucial role in filling the void left by Partey. Ghana’s success will depend on how effectively these players can perform under pressure.
The Bigger Picture for Kwesi Appiah and Sudan
This match is not just about the AFCON qualifiers for Kwesi Appiah; it’s also a test of his ability to lead Sudan against one of Africa’s top footballing nations.
Despite the challenges of coaching a team unable to play at home due to civil unrest, Appiah has demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, guiding Sudan to success in other competitions.
If Kwesi Appiah manages to secure a win against Ghana, it would not only boost Sudan’s chances of qualifying but also enhance his reputation as one of Africa’s top coaches.
The Ghanaian football community will undoubtedly watch closely, as Appiah’s tactical approach could provide valuable lessons for Ghana’s own national team management.
