AFCON will bring joy to Sudan, says head coach James Kwesi Appiah ahead of tournament opener

The North African country has been in the midst of a conflict since 2023 that has led to the death of almost 150 000 people and almost 14 million displaced.

Being able to compete at an international tournament is a welcome distraction for fans, after the team failed to qualify for the previous edition of the competition in the Ivory Coast.

Sudan have one AFCON title to their name following their 1-0 victory over Ghana in the 1970 final.

They were knocked out in the group stage in 2021 as they ended up in third place in a group containing Nigeria, Egypt and Guinea Bissau.

Speaking ahead of facing Algeria on Wednesday, Appiah, who won AFCON as a player with Ghana, said on CAFOnline: "I'm happy that Sudan is part of such a big tournament.

"We all know there's a war in Sudan, and I believe this tournament will put some smiles on the faces of all Sudanese.

"We are here to make sure we do our best to entertain everyone who comes to the stadium.

"We all know there has been no league in Sudan for the past three years, but we make sure the team represents itself very well."

Sudan will also face Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso in Group E, in Morocco.