Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has set his sights firmly on winning the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), boldly stating that the Falcons of Jediane are not in Tanzania simply to make up the numbers.
Speaking to CAFOnline ahead of his side’s semi-final clash against Madagascar on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the former Black Stars coach revealed his team’s mission: to fight for the continental crown and deliver glory to millions of Sudanese supporters back home.
“Our goal is beyond just participation. We aspire to achieve the African title,” Appiah said. “Millions of Sudanese people follow us, and they also support us, so I say it frankly: we aspire to achieve the African title.”
The comments underline the growing confidence within the Sudanese camp as they prepare for their biggest test yet at the tournament. Appiah, who previously guided Ghana to the FIFA World Cup, has steadily built a reputation in Sudan for instilling discipline and resilience into his squad.
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The Falcons of Jediane have impressed at this year’s competition, remaining unbeaten so far and knocking out Algeria in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the last four. Their progress has rekindled hope back home, where Sudanese football has long craved a continental breakthrough.
For Appiah, however, the journey is not just about results on the pitch but also about inspiring belief in a nation that has endured both sporting and political setbacks. By daring to publicly declare his side’s ambitions, he has shifted the narrative from Sudan being mere underdogs to genuine title contenders.
The semi-final against Madagascar will be staged at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with kickoff set for 4:30 pm. Victory would secure Sudan’s place in only their second-ever CHAN final and put them within touching distance of history.
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