Sudan Coach: 'We Came to Win AFCON, Not for Tourism in Morocco'

James Kwesi Appiah, head coach of the Sudan national team, sent a strong message ahead of their anticipated clash against Burkina Faso. The match, part of Matchday 3 in Group E of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, sees Appiah assert that the "Desert Hawks" entered the tournament with a clear competitive mindset and an ambition that transcends circumstances.

During the pre-match press conference held on Wednesday at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, the Ghanaian coach emphasized that their participation in the continental tournament is not merely honorary, but stems from a genuine desire to go far.

Appiah responded with calm sarcasm to a question about the ceiling of his ambition amidst the challenges facing the Sudanese national team, stating: "We did not come to Morocco to enjoy the atmosphere or for tourism, as many do; we are here to win the title."

Appiah did not stop there, further asserting that the caliber of opposing teams does not concern him. He explained: "We must have ambition and confidence. I don't care about the identity of the opponents, whether it's the Brazilian or Argentinian national team."

He concluded: "We must set our goal and strive to achieve it regardless of the opponent's identity. Football is a game with many variables, and you cannot underestimate yourselves."