Having guided Sudan to the 2025 Afcon, Kwasi Appiah is setting his sights on an even greater milestone—qualifying the war-torn nation for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.

Sudan currently tops a challenging qualifying group that includes Senegal and DR Congo. Appiah believes the key to success lies in his players’ mindset.

“I tell [the players]: ‘How can you aim to go to the World Cup if you don’t put yourself at the level of Spain, England, or Brazil?’” he told BBC Africa.

The coach also reflected on the unity football has brought to the region, recalling their 3-0 victory over South Sudan in Juba.

“Large sections of the crowd joined in with Sudan’s national anthem,” he said. “It brought a lot of unity to both countries.”

With self-belief and resilience, Appiah is determined to take Sudan to football’s grandest stage.