Sudan coach, Kwasi Appiah, has revealed the people of Sudan dropped their weapons after the team qualified for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Appiah, who recently said his decision to lead Sudan’s national team has been about more than just football, told the BBC that qualification was the balm the country needed.

The 20-month civil war in Sudan has displaced millions, but the team’s Afcon qualification offered a glimmer of hope.

“After the qualification, we went to the Sudanese embassy, and the ambassador said, ‘Everybody had their guns down, and they were all jubilating on the streets,’” Appiah told BBC Africa.

“Football is one of the keys that can unlock such wars.”

The team’s journey has been marked by resilience.

Many players have faced personal tragedies, yet Appiah kept them motivated. “Look at your relatives back home, what they’re going through, and let’s put some smiles on their faces,” he urged.