Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah believes his side has a genuine chance to reignite their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign, insisting that the squad is ready to correct the mistakes made in their opening match.
The experienced Ghanaian tactician watched his team draw 1-1 with Congo in their first Group D outing, a result that left them with mixed emotions. While Sudan created opportunities to secure all three points, lapses in defensive concentration ultimately denied them victory.
Reflecting on that performance, Appiah acknowledged the shortcomings but expressed optimism about the road ahead. “So far, preparation has gone very well,” he said. “Our last match against Congo didn’t go entirely as planned, but now we have the opportunity to turn things around.”
In the days following the draw, Appiah has placed a strong emphasis on tactical work, with training sessions specifically tailored to address defensive organisation and sharpen the team’s counterattacking play. The aim, he explained, is to ensure Sudan can both contain their opponents and strike decisively when opportunities arise.
“Training has been solid and, fortunately, we have no risk of injury,” he noted. “The boys are focused on their performance; we are concentrating on our strengths.”
For Appiah, however, the challenge extends beyond tactics. One of his priorities has been to reshape the mentality of the players, many of whom are more accustomed to playing in the comfort of home conditions. Adapting to the demands of tournament football, particularly away from familiar surroundings, has been a central theme in his preparations.
“Many Sudanese players prefer to play at home; they don’t like to travel,” Appiah explained. “I’ve worked to change that mentality, to encourage them to take on the challenges that come with international competition.”
This mental shift, he believes, is vital for the team’s chances of progressing. The CHAN, contested exclusively by players competing in their domestic leagues, requires participants to quickly adapt to different environments and opponents, often under high-pressure circumstances.
Appiah’s approach combines discipline with encouragement, aiming to instil resilience alongside technical improvement. His calm but assertive demeanour has been evident during training, where players have responded with intensity and focus.
Sudan’s path forward will require precision in execution and a stronger defensive foundation than they showed in their opener. With the group stage offering little room for error, Appiah knows that every match from this point on is effectively a knockout contest.
As the team continues its preparations, the belief within the camp is growing. The draw against Congo may have been a setback, but under Appiah’s guidance, Sudan are determined to ensure it serves as a lesson rather than a limitation.
The coming fixture will be a crucial test of both the tactical adjustments and the mindset changes the coach has sought to implement. For Appiah, it is an opportunity not only to earn three points but also to demonstrate that Sudan have the resolve to compete at the highest level of this tournament.
