For over two decades, from the 1950s to the 1970s, Sudan was one of Africa’s most consistent teams, along with Egypt and Ghana.
Not surprisingly, Sudan won the African Cup tournament in 1970 on home soil, just after a coup staged by Gaafar Nimeiry.
Their title-winning team was led by the talismanic striker Mustafa Azhari Alawad.
But there was a major controversy in 1970 after Sudan beat Ghana 1-0 to win their only Afcon title to date.
At the final whistle, the Black Stars boycotted the medal presentation ceremony in protest against what they deemed to be biased refereeing.
This was seen as an insult to the Sudanese government and people.
To avoid any further incidents, Sudan President Gaafar Muhammad An-Nimeiry ordered that the Ghanaian team be deported immediately from his country.
Source: Yaw Ampofo Ankrah
