When war stopped in Sudan for football - Ignatius Kwame Osei Fosu

With Sudan at war and experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has seen, the Falcons of Jediane achieved the impossible by qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Over 11 million people, including the players, technical staff, and management team of Sudan, according to the BBC, have been displaced from their homes due to the seemingly unending conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia.

Despite the conflict, the power of football was on display every time the Falcons of Jediane were to honor their fixtures, especially during the recently ended 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Ignatius Kwame Osei Fosu, a Ghanaian assistant coach to fellow Ghanaian head coach of Sudan, revealed there was always a ceasefire whenever the team was in action.

The players of Sudan knew what was at stake and were immensely motivated to deliver against all odds for their motherland despite not playing active football.

Up against the more glamorous players of the Black Stars of Ghana, Sudan, who were ranked 110th in the world by July 2024, stunned millions of Ghanaians expecting their side to run the displaced Sudenese rugged, pocketing four points in the two meetings in Accra and Benina.

Every Sudanese that follow the Falcons of Jediane religiously should expect inspiring performances when the 35 Africa Cup of Nations commences from Sunday, December 21, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026.