Thursday, October 17, 2024
Author: Sohaib Satti
Country: Sudan
Kooora website (www.kooora.com) "Sudan snatches valuable draw from Ghana"
SUMMARY
Amid the war in Sudan, the national football team has become a symbol of hope and unity for the Sudanese people. Despite the suspension of domestic sports, the team leads its World Cup qualifiers group and is close to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. Players from Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh have maintained form through international competitions, contributing to the team's success. Their victories, including a notable 2-0 win over Ghana, provide moments of joy and pride to a nation in crisis. The team’s journey embodies resilience, perseverance, and the unbreakable spirit of Sudan.
BACKGROUND
Amid the turbulent war that has affected Sudan since April 2023, the Sudanese people have learned to rely on and treasure the Sudan national football team. Regardless of the debilitating consequences of the war such as the suspension of the local football league and all other sporting events in the country, the national team has weathered all these challenges and has proven to be more than competitive at an international level. Their campaign in the World Cup qualifiers as well as that in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has brought smiles and a sense of togetherness to a country that is in chaos.
Reversing the fears and the expectations, the Sudan national football team is currently on top of the table standing of its group in World Cup qualifiers with 10 points. Calling this a huge success, is an understatement because Sudan is in a very tough group comprising of heavy weights of African football namely Senegal, DRC, Togo, Mauritania and South Sudan. All these teams provide different challenges to Sudan but the team’s grit and never die spirit has ensured the country's top place. This leadership shows technical ability as well as a strong mentality and perseverance in the players.
Despite the country being in crisis the team is focused on one goal: to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is not just the players goal but the entire nation is looking up to football as a source of inspiration in these hard times.
In addition to their World Cup qualifiers success, Sudan’s performance in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is also impressive. They are currently second in their group behind Angola with 7 points. The group also includes football giants Ghana and Niger but Sudan has managed to outshine them and is on the verge of qualifying for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. One point from their remaining two matches will guarantee them a spot in the tournament.
This is a like a miracle in view of tough conditions under which the team is operating. The league and domestic competitions are suspended due to the war and many of Sudan’s players are not training or competing regularly. Only players from Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh are the exception as they are competing in African Champions League and finding opportunities to play in Mauritanian league. Even so, this lack of consistent playtime for the majority of the team players could have been a significant setback. However, it seems that the challenges have strengthened their resolve to perform.
One of the most recent and notable highlights in Sudan's football journey is their stunning 2-0 victory over Ghana. The match, played in Libya due to the security situation in Sudan, was a demonstration of the team's skill, discipline, and unwavering spirit. This victory followed a goalless draw in Accra, showcasing the team’s ability to compete with some of the continent’s best footballing nations, in spite of playing away from home and under extraordinary circumstances.
The match against Ghana was more than just a win—it was a symbol of hope for the Sudanese people. In the face of unimaginable hardship, the national team gave their country something to celebrate, a reason to unite in pride and joy.
At the club level, Al-Hilal has also been flying the flag high for Sudanese football. The team successfully reached the group stage of the African Champions League, further solidifying Sudan’s presence on the continental football scene. Unfortunately, Al-Merrikh, Sudan’s other football giant, didn’t manage to reach the same stage. Nonetheless, the participation of both clubs in international competitions has played a crucial role in keeping Sudanese football alive amidst the war. The players from these teams have been vital contributors to the national team’s recent success, maintaining their form and fitness through their involvement in these tournaments.
It is truly remarkable how the Sudan national football team continues to perform at such a high level despite enduring the same hardships as the rest of the Sudanese population. The war has displaced millions, disrupted lives, and plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis. Yet, in the face of such devastation, the players have remained focused, using football as a means of resistance, resilience, and expression of their unwavering determination to bring joy to their people.
For the Sudanese people, who have endured unimaginable suffering, football has become more than just a game—it has become a source of escape, a brief respite from the realities of war. The national team’s victories have brought moments of happiness to a nation in despair. With every goal, every win, and every point gained, the team has given their people something to smile about, something to unite them.
The people of Sudan have rallied around their national football team, finding in it a sense of relief and a break from the pain and tragedy brought by the war. The team's successes have allowed them to forget, even if just for a moment, the hardships being faced by them daily. In all the matches, Sudanese fans—both at home and abroad—cheer for their team, offering unwavering support and drawing strength from their resilience. Football has provided a unifying force with hope and pride to everyone in the darkest of times.
The road ahead for the Sudan national football team is not the easy one. They face formidable opponents in both the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and the situation in their home country remains dire. The team's achievement proves that the Sudanese spirit is unbreakable. Their journey has not only been about football but also about survival, perseverance, and the power of unity.
We will continue to stand behind our national team, supporting them in every upcoming match. Their courage and determination inspire us all and we also believe that the team will continue to make history, giving the nation moments of pride and triumph in the face of adversity.
As the Sudan national football team continues its epic journey, they represent more than just a football squad—they embody the hopes and dreams of a nation fighting for survival. Their story is one of resilience, courage, and unyielding determination, reminding us all that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can soar to new heights.
REFERENCES
1. "FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2023 – Group Standings." CAFOnline, [www.cafonline.com].
2. "Sudan vs. Ghana: Match Report." ESPN, [www.espn.com].
3. "Afcon qualifying wins bring 'pride' to war-torn Sudan" BBC, [www.bbc.com]
4. "Sudan vs Ghana 2-0: #AFCON 2025 – as it happened" Al Jazeera, [www.aljazeera.com]
5. "Football victory brings hope to war-torn Sudan" Scrolla Africa, [https://scrolla.africa/]
6. "Sudan | Today's latest from Al Jazeera" Al Jazeera, [www.aljazeera.com]
7. "Civil War in Sudan | Global Conflict Tracker" Council on Foreign Relations, [www.cfr.org]
8. "Sudan snatches valuable draw from Ghana" Kooora website, [www.kooora.com]
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