The Algerian national team faces its Sudanese counterpart this Wednesday in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Just hours before kickoff, Sudan has issued a powerful warning through their coach, Kwesi Appiah.

“The psychological factor is fundamental. Sometimes we hear about a player losing a relative, which makes things even more complicated,” Appiah stated during the pre-match presser.

Appiah further reiterated the mission his squad carries, “Through football, we try to bring joy to the Sudanese people and make them proud,” he said.

Meanwhile, captain Bakhit Khamis expressed clear ambition ahead of the clash with the Desert Warriors, declaring, “We have come to compete and to play football worthy of our country.”

Khamis pointed out that this encounter with Algeria will be nothing like their previous meeting in the Arab Cup, which ended in a draw. “This will be a totally different match. We will be physically and mentally prepared to give it our all,” he added.