Kwasi Appiah reportedly considers resignation amid tensions in Sudan

Sudan head coach Kwasi Appiah is reportedly considering resigning from his position following growing tensions with the country’s football federation, just days before the national team faces Senegal in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Ghanaian coach is understood to be unhappy with what he considers interference in his technical responsibilities, particularly from Sudan Football Association (SFA) vice-president Osama Atta Al-Mannan.

According to reports by ghanasportspage.com, Appiah has threatened to step down after allegedly coming under pressure to include players in his squad whose footballing abilities he is not familiar with.

The situation has reportedly frustrated the former Ghana coach, who is said to have raised his concerns with the president of the Sudanese Football Association.

Further reports suggest Appiah has privately discussed his dissatisfaction with people close to him, expressing concerns about the working environment within the federation and his relationship with Al-Mannan.

The latest developments have raised questions about the future of the coaching staff, particularly following the return of Salah Al-Fanj, whose name had previously been linked to a possible move to replace Appiah.

Al-Fanj has returned to the picture with experience from Sudan’s youth national teams and a CECAFA championship title to his name.

His possible involvement in the situation is also notable because he and administrative director Abubakr Al-Mahi were among the important figures Appiah relied on during his time in charge of the national team.

Al-Mahi and Al-Fanj had previously been associated with what appeared to be an attempt to remove the Ghanaian from his position.

Another development that has attracted attention is the federation’s decision to announce the latest squad exclusively through its social media platforms without organising a press conference for Appiah.

The move has added to the uncertainty surrounding the coach’s relationship with the federation, particularly at a time when reports indicate disagreements over player selection.

Despite the reported tensions, Appiah remains under contract with Sudan until 2029. His agreement covers the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the qualifying campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The 65-year-old has been in charge of the Falcons of Jediane, also known as the Nile Crocodiles, since September 2023.

During his tenure, he has overseen 35 matches, recording 11 victories, 10 draws and 14 defeats.

He also guided Sudan to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and helped the team maintain a competitive position in the World Cup and AFCON qualifying campaigns.

Sudan’s achievements have come under difficult circumstances, with the team forced to play their matches away from home because of insecurity in the country.

Appiah’s immediate focus is expected to be Sudan’s upcoming double-header against Senegal on November 12 and 16, 2026.

Sudan currently occupy third place in Group J with three points and will be hoping to improve their position in the race for qualification.

However, with uncertainty surrounding Appiah’s future, questions remain over whether the Ghanaian will remain in charge beyond the two matches against Senegal.