The Sudan national football team, led by Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah, marked their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a unique and celebratory style. The team, along with its technical staff, danced to Ghanaian musician King Paluta’s hit song *Aseda* after securing their spot in the tournament.
A video circulating on social media captured Appiah, 64, raising two fingers and swaying hesitantly as the upbeat tune played in the background.
The lighthearted moment showed the camaraderie within the team, as assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu and players joined in with enthusiastic dance moves.
While Appiah appeared reluctant to fully embrace the dance floor—holding fruits and smiling at the scene—his team’s celebratory energy was undeniable.
Sudan booked their place at the 2025 AFCON after a hard-fought goalless draw against Angola in the final Group F match.
The result pushed the Falcons of Jediane to eight points, securing second place in the group behind Angola, who finished with 14 points.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Sudan, as their journey to qualification hit a rocky patch when they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Niger just days earlier.
That loss left Sudan needing at least a draw in their last match, a high-stakes scenario that Appiah and his experienced coaching team navigated with precision.
🇬🇭Coach Kwasi Appiah celebrating AFCON qualification with the Sudan National Team..
Check out the 🇬🇭song in the background 📷 @Asanteforkuo pic.twitter.com/yFxFE5CgD9
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) November 18, 2024
Adding to the achievement is the fact that Sudan played all their qualifying matches away from home due to ongoing security challenges in the country.
This made their success even more remarkable and a testament to the team’s resilience and adaptability.
The celebration comes amidst broader triumphs for Sudan under Appiah’s leadership.
In addition to their AFCON qualification, the team leads their group in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With 10 points from five matches, Sudan currently sits ahead of African giants Senegal, who trail by two points.
Sudan now joins Angola in qualifying from Group F for the 24-team AFCON tournament, set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
For Appiah, who previously managed Ghana’s Black Stars, this qualification represents a significant milestone in his coaching career.
The celebratory dance to Aseda was more than a moment of levity—it symbolized gratitude and triumph in the face of challenges.
As the Falcons of Jediane look forward to competing on one of Africa’s grandest stages, the team’s joyous spirit serves as a powerful reminder of football’s ability to unite and inspire.
