Kwasi Appiah targets AFCON qualification after Sudan's win over Ghana

Sudan head coach James Kwesi Appiah is focused on securing at least one more win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to guarantee his team a spot in the tournament.

This comes after his side's crucial 2-0 victory over Ghana, a result that has significantly improved Sudan’s chances of advancing.

Appiah, a former Ghana international and ex-Black Stars coach, led Sudan to a vital win in the AFCON qualifiers, leaving the West African giants struggling in third place in Group F with just two points from four matches.

Sudan now sits on seven points, firmly in second place, just two points behind group leaders Angola.

In his post-match press conference, Appiah expressed his mixed feelings about the result, acknowledging the importance of the win for Sudan but lamenting that it came at the expense of Ghana, a team he has a deep connection with.

"Every game is serious, but Insha Allah, in the next match, we will try to secure at least a win to qualify automatically. It’s unfortunate because Ghana has a good team, and it’s regrettable that ...one has to exit the competition. Unfortunately for Ghana, Sudan has beaten them, so we will continue to push forward,” Appiah remarked.

Appiah's victory over his former team has intensified the race for AFCON qualification, and Sudan is now just one step away from securing their place in Morocco next year.

Meanwhile, Ghana faces an uphill battle, needing to win their remaining games and rely on other results to have any chance of making it to AFCON 2025.