Sudan’s coach James Kwesi Appiah aims to turn the Africa Cup of Nations into a source of joy amid war for the Sudanese people, vowing that every player will give their all to achieve success in the continental tournament in Morocco.

Sudan has been in the grip of conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, with around 150,000 people killed and almost 14 million displaced, creating the largest displacement crisis in the world.

Ghana-born coach Appiah, however, succeeded in steering the team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations despite having to play all their qualifying matches away from home.

“I’m happy that Sudan is part of such a big tournament,” Appiah told a press conference on Tuesday, on the eve of their Group E game against Algeria.

“We all know there’s a war in Sudan, and I believe this tournament will put some smiles on the faces of all Sudanese.

“We are here to make sure we do our best to entertain everyone who comes to the stadium.”

The coach said that even as he carries out his tactical job, sometimes they learn that a team member has lost someone in their family due to the conflict. But they remain patient, he said, as they aim to make every Sudanese proud.

“We all know there has been no league in Sudan for the past three years, but we make sure the team represents itself very well.”

Sudan’s biggest teams – Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, as well as Al Ahli Wad Madani – will participate in the Rwandan league next season.

Sudan captain Bakhit Khamis said that while the situation at home was catastrophic, the side were happy to be in Morocco for the tournament.

“The situation Sudan is going through is truly disastrous in every sense of the word. Thank God we managed to qualify,” he said.

-Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi was named Man of the Match after a commanding all-around performance that anchored the Super Eagles’ 2–1 victory over Tanzania in their opening Group C fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ajayi not only provided the decisive defensive solidity Nigeria needed in a tense contest, but also opened the scoring with a towering header in the 36th minute, rising above the Tanzanian defence to convert a well-weighted cross from Alex Iwobi.

The goal set Nigeria on their way and underlined Ajayi’s growing importance at both ends of the pitch.

Throughout the match, the central defender produced a composed display, reading danger early, winning aerial duels and organising a back line that was repeatedly tested by a spirited Tanzanian side eager to upset the odds.

Even after Tanzania drew level early in the second half, Ajayi remained assured, helping Nigeria regain control as the game entered a nervy phase.

His performance was capped by a series of crucial clearances and interceptions late in the match, as Tanzania pushed for another equaliser following Ademola Lookman’s superb strike that restored Nigeria’s lead.

The Man of the Match award crowns an impressive outing for Ajayi, whose influence extended beyond his goal.

 It was his second strike for the Super Eagles, following his earlier goal in a 2023 World Cup qualifier, and another reminder of his value as a dependable presence in high-pressure games.

Nigeria’s narrow win places them provisionally at the top of Group C, and as the Super Eagles prepare for tougher tests against Tunisia and Uganda, Ajayi’s assured display will offer encouragement that the defensive spine of the team is finding its rhythm at the right time.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania. However, the performance in Fez suggested there is still work to be done before they can truly assert their continental pedigree.

The struggle notwithstanding, Nigeria have stretched their winning streak over Tanzania to five.

Against a Tanzanian side yet to record a win in AFCON history, Nigeria were pushed to the limit and made to earn all three points in a contest that proved far more demanding than the records of both teams suggested.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to nod home a well-delivered cross from Alex Iwobi. It was Ajayi’s second goal for the Super Eagles, following his strike against Lesotho in a 2023 World Cup qualifier.

Nigeria thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half when Victor Osimhen found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. That moment proved costly, as the Super Eagles’ defence switched off minutes later, allowing Charles M’Mombwa to fire in a first-time finish in the 52nd minute to draw Tanzania level.

The equaliser jolted Nigeria into greater urgency, and their response arrived through Ademola Lookman, who restored the lead with a superb strike from just outside the penalty area.

Despite late pressure from Tanzania, Nigeria held on to secure the win, which temporarily places them at the top of Group C pending the outcome of the Tunisia versus Uganda encounter.

The Super Eagles will next face Tunisia on Saturday before rounding off their group campaign against Uganda on December 30. Tanzania, still in search of its first-ever AFCON victory, takes on Uganda on Saturday and concludes its group fixtures against Tunisia on December 30.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H