Sudan’s football team, the Falcons of Jediane, are daring to dream of their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
After four rounds of the 2026 qualifiers, Sudan sits atop their six-team group ahead of heavyweights like Senegal and DR Congo.
With their eyes set firmly on history, their journey has become a story of inspiration and unity.
Head coach Kwesi Appiah believes the team’s self-belief has been the cornerstone of their success.
“Look at the best teams in the world – Spain, England, Germany, or Brazil,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
“I tell [the players]: ‘How can you aim to go to the World Cup if you don’t put yourself at their level?” This mentality has transformed Sudan’s squad into a determined and cohesive unit.
One of the most memorable moments of their campaign came during their match against South Sudan in June.
Playing in Juba, the capital of a country with which Sudan once shared a history of war, fans from both nations came together in an extraordinary display of solidarity.
Large sections of the South Sudanese crowd joined in singing Sudan’s national anthem, setting the tone for a heartwarming encounter.
Sudan won the match 3-0, but the real victory was the unity it fostered.
Appiah reflected, “It brought a lot of unity to both countries.”
As Sudan prepares to resume their campaign in March, their journey stands as a testament to the power of sport to inspire not just dreams but also peace and connection.
