Sudan head Kwasi Appiah has revealed that one of the reasons that influenced his decision to accept the Sudan coaching job was to use football as a tool to end a 20-month war that has ravaged the country.

The former Ghana coach has achieved what many deemed impossible by leading Sudan to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

For Appiah, the feat was more than just a professional milestone—it was deeply personal.

“Qualifying for the Afcon was one of the targets I set for myself before I signed the contract,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“Another reason I signed was for the people in Sudan, because of the war back home. The players have shown a lot of dedication.”

Despite the humanitarian crisis and personal tragedies affecting his players, Appiah inspired his team to defy adversity, reminding them of the power football holds in uniting people.

“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,” he explained