Sudan’s remarkable 2-0 victory over Ghana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers has brought much-needed pride and joy to a nation ravaged by civil war.

Sudan, under the leadership of coach Kwasi Appiah, delivered a strong performance in a match played in neutral Libya on Tuesday.

Now, they stand just one point away from securing a spot in the Afcon finals, needing to perform in their last two qualifiers next month.

While the country grapples with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, caused by the civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, Sudan’s national team has provided a beacon of hope for its citizens.

Forward Abobaker Eisa highlighted how the team’s recent success has uplifted the spirits of a displaced and suffering population.

"With the things that are going on in Sudan right now, the civil war, we're playing a much bigger game.

"People are in the streets to watch the games, and this is giving them a lot of joy amongst the chaos that's been going on. It makes them feel proud," Eisa told BBC Newsday.

He expressed hopes that their success on the pitch could inspire positive change in Sudan.

"Obviously we are hoping that our country gets better, and hopefully we could be a positive thing for our country as well."

At the heart of this progress is Kwasi Appiah. The Ghanaian coach, with a wealth of experience managing the Black Stars at both the World Cup and Afcon, has reinvigorated Sudanese football.

Under his leadership, the Falcons of Jediane are not only performing well in Afcon qualifiers but have also made a promising start in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

"He brings a lot of experience and he's changed our mentality into thinking we could beat anyone," Eisa praised Appiah’s influence.

"I think that's the biggest difference that you're seeing here with the Sudanese team.

"Everyone knows that he's a legend in his country and what he's done for his country. But he's told us he believes that we could do something big together.

"We're going step by step but it is coming to fruition now."

"Everyone knows that he's a legend in his country and what he's done for his country. But he's told us he believes that we could do something big together.

"We're going step by step but it is coming to fruition now."

Sudan will round off their Group F campaign with an away tie against Niger and a 'home' game against Angola next month.

Both matches are set to be at neutral venues as Niger do not have a stadium fit for international football.

"I think every African kid grew up watching the Africa Cup of Nations and wanting to be a part of it," said former Bradford City and Grimsby Town man Eisa, who now plays in Thailand.

"Now that we've come so close to it, we still need to finish the business. But it'll be a dream come true for me and for a lot of us."