Latest news with #Appiah
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Sudan's bold attack and Senegal's calm defiance: A Group D clash with history at stake
When the lights turn on at Zanzibar's Amani Stadium, the final Group D clash of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) will pit two very different philosophies against each other. Sudan, revived and resolute under Kwesi Appiah, come armed with a fearless attacking blueprint. The former Ghana coach insists that his side will not retreat against defending champions Senegal. 'I don't go into games to defend. The best way to defend is to attack. We're playing for goals. There are 11 players in each team; why should we stay back?' Appiah declared, reaffirming his aggressive approach. 'Whether it's at the CHAN, AFCON, or the World Cup qualifiers, my intention is to win.' Sudan sit top of the group after dismantling Nigeria 4-0, and only need to avoid defeat to secure a quarter-final berth. But Appiah's tone makes clear: mere survival is not enough. An unbeaten streak and a growing belief Under Appiah, Sudan have gone nearly a year without defeat, their last setback coming in November 2024 against Niger in the AFCON qualifiers — a loss that came after they had already secured qualification. That streak now fuels their belief. 'Senegal is a big team, and we can't underrate them,' Appiah admitted. 'It's not going to be a walkover. We'll need to make sure we fight till the end of the game.' Sudan's confidence is also rooted in variety. They drew with Congo before unleashing four unanswered goals against Nigeria, with scorers emerging from all areas of the pitch. Appiah knows that goals in open play are scarce at CHAN level, so Sudan are honing set pieces as their secret weapon. 'It is difficult to get goals in open play. Teams rely on set pieces. We're working on free kicks as a medium to score,' he explained. Breaking barriers, building bonds Appiah's tenure in Sudan has also been about cultural adaptation. A Ghanaian native, he embraces Sudanese traditions while leaning on his assistants to bridge the language gap. 'For effective communication, I have my assistants who speak Arabic. I issue instructions, and they go ahead to voice them,' he said. The formula has worked, keeping Sudan sharp and united. Captain Fares Abdullah, a central figure in this unity, believes the team will rise even higher against Senegal. 'My performances alongside that of my teammates are a result of the trust we have for each other and our quality. I feel we'll do better against Senegal,' he said. Senegal's Gueye and Diallo: eyes on legacy Across the pitch, Senegal's quiet but dangerous force waits. Forward Libasse Gueye, the man of the match against Nigeria, is not basking in individual glory. 'I won the player of the match award against Nigeria, but football is a collective game. I always put my team ahead. For me to be best, I need to play collectively with my colleagues,' said the 22-year-old. For Gueye, this is no ordinary fixture: 'It's an important game; we are conscious of that. It's one of the biggest matches of my career.' Head coach Souleymane Diallo sees the clash as 'a quarter-final before the quarter-final.' He acknowledged Sudan's stunning win over Nigeria had 'turned the group on its head' but reminded his squad that Senegal are champions for a reason. 'Senegal is a big team in Africa. We are defending champions, but my team is hungry; they want to write their own history.' History is past, hunger is present Senegal's path to the 2022 CHAN title, won on penalties against Algeria, remains a proud memory. But Diallo is adamant that yesterday's glory cannot carry today's burden. 'Being champions for us is history. History remains in the past, but we must capitalize on improving in the present and future.' The numbers show his side are ahead of schedule. 'In 2022, going into the last group game, the team had 3 points. In this edition, at the same level, we have 4 points. It means our performance is superior,' Diallo explained. As the decisive Group D evening unfolds, Congo lurks, ready to pounce if either of these heavyweights slips. A draw would send both through, but one win — or one upset — could change the landscape entirely.
CAF
12-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Pride and survival on the line as Sudan and Nigeria collide
When Sudan and Nigeria step onto the turf at Zanzibar's Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, it won't just be about three points. For Sudan, it's a chance to build momentum in a campaign fuelled by belief and resilience. For Nigeria, it's pure survival — a 'do-or-die' scrap to keep their African Nations Championship hopes alive. Two different journeys now converge under the same pressure: win or risk the door to the quarterfinals slamming shut. Appiah's Redemption Mission Kwesi Appiah, Sudan's experienced Ghanaian coach, carries the quiet determination of a man who knows second chances don't come often. His side's 1-1 draw with Congo in their opener was a game they could have won, but defensive lapses proved costly. 'So far, preparation has gone really well,' Appiah said. 'Our last game against Congo didn't go entirely our way, but now we have the opportunity to turn the tables.' Since then, his players have been pushed through tactical drills designed to sharpen defensive discipline and make their counter-attacks more lethal. 'Training has been solid, and fortunately, we have no injury concerns. The boys are locked in — we're focused on playing to our strengths.' A Voice for African Coaching and Unity Appiah's role in Sudan goes beyond formations and match plans. He has been outspoken on the need for African coaches to back themselves. 'Africans must first believe in ourselves before others can take us seriously,' he said. 'It's not about where someone is from. It's about standing together as Africans.' It's a message that has resonated not just with his squad, but with a growing number of supporters who see him as a figure pushing for unity in the African game. The Nigerian Threat While Nigeria lost their opening match 1-0 to defending champions Senegal, Appiah isn't fooled into thinking that result tells the whole story. 'One game doesn't define a team,' he warned. 'Every Nigerian player is dangerous. We must be ready for a physically strong side with serious attacking intent.' Sudan currently sit third in Group D with one point; Nigeria, bottom with none, know a loss would almost certainly send them packing. Chelle's Do-or-Die Stand Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was blunt about the stakes. 'I just want to win the game,' he said. 'It's my game project. I know that it's a game project that rewards a lot of intensity and aggression. To stay ambitious, we need to win this game against Sudan.' Chelle admitted that the pressure is immense following the defeat to Senegal: 'I know there is pressure on us, and it's normal. "We are a big country, a great football nation, and we need to do better in the next game. The reality now is that we are low, but we are together as a unit. If we get the three points after the game, it will breathe more life into the group.' Team News: Key Returns and Absences Nigeria's squad news offers mixed fortunes. Left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who limped off against Senegal, is fit to return. But first-choice goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena remains sidelined with a knee injury, meaning Ebenezer will start between the posts. 'Taiwo Abdulrafiu is okay,' Chelle confirmed. 'However, the reality is that Ani Ozoemena is injured, and we just had to bring Ebenezer in, and I trust him.' Mentality Shift in Sudan's Camp One of Appiah's biggest tasks has been reshaping the mindset of Sudanese players, many of whom are more comfortable playing at home. 'Many Sudanese players are most comfortable playing at home — they don't like traveling,' he explained. 'I've been working to change that mentality, to push them to embrace the challenges that come with international competition.' Voices from the Pitch Striker Farres Abdullah is ready for the challenge. 'We're ready — physically and mentally,' he said. 'Nigeria is one of the strongest sides in the tournament, but we believe we can go deep in this competition.' Abdullah's confidence mirrors the growing belief in Sudan's camp that they can cause an upset. High Stakes in Zanzibar The match kicks off at 20:00 Local Time on Tuesday, August 12. A win for Sudan would put them within touching distance of the knockout rounds; a win for Nigeria would drag them back into contention and keep the group's fate undecided until the final day. Whatever the outcome, expect intensity from the first whistle — because for both sides, the margins for error have already disappeared.
CAF
12-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Pride and survival on the line as Sudan and Nigeria collide in CHAN Group D
When Sudan and Nigeria step onto the turf at Zanzibar's Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, it won't just be about three points. For Sudan, it's a chance to build momentum in a campaign fuelled by belief and resilience. For Nigeria, it's pure survival — a 'do-or-die' scrap to keep their African Nations Championship hopes alive. Two different journeys now converge under the same pressure: win or risk the door to the quarterfinals slamming shut. Appiah's Redemption Mission Kwesi Appiah, Sudan's experienced Ghanaian coach, carries the quiet determination of a man who knows second chances don't come often. His side's 1-1 draw with Congo in their opener was a game they could have won, but defensive lapses proved costly. 'So far, preparation has gone really well,' Appiah said. 'Our last game against Congo didn't go entirely our way, but now we have the opportunity to turn the tables.' Since then, his players have been pushed through tactical drills designed to sharpen defensive discipline and make their counter-attacks more lethal. 'Training has been solid, and fortunately, we have no injury concerns. The boys are locked in — we're focused on playing to our strengths.' A Voice for African Coaching and Unity Appiah's role in Sudan goes beyond formations and match plans. He has been outspoken on the need for African coaches to back themselves. 'Africans must first believe in ourselves before others can take us seriously,' he said. 'It's not about where someone is from. It's about standing together as Africans.' It's a message that has resonated not just with his squad, but with a growing number of supporters who see him as a figure pushing for unity in the African game. The Nigerian Threat While Nigeria lost their opening match 1-0 to defending champions Senegal, Appiah isn't fooled into thinking that result tells the whole story. 'One game doesn't define a team,' he warned. 'Every Nigerian player is dangerous. We must be ready for a physically strong side with serious attacking intent.' Sudan currently sit third in Group D with one point; Nigeria, bottom with none, know a loss would almost certainly send them packing. Chelle's Do-or-Die Stand Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was blunt about the stakes. 'I just want to win the game,' he said. 'It's my game project. I know that it's a game project that rewards a lot of intensity and aggression. To stay ambitious, we need to win this game against Sudan.' Chelle admitted that the pressure is immense following the defeat to Senegal: 'I know there is pressure on us, and it's normal. "We are a big country, a great football nation, and we need to do better in the next game. The reality now is that we are low, but we are together as a unit. If we get the three points after the game, it will breathe more life into the group.' Team News: Key Returns and Absences Nigeria's squad news offers mixed fortunes. Left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who limped off against Senegal, is fit to return. But first-choice goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena remains sidelined with a knee injury, meaning Ebenezer will start between the posts. 'Taiwo Abdulrafiu is okay,' Chelle confirmed. 'However, the reality is that Ani Ozoemena is injured, and we just had to bring Ebenezer in, and I trust him.' Mentality Shift in Sudan's Camp One of Appiah's biggest tasks has been reshaping the mindset of Sudanese players, many of whom are more comfortable playing at home. 'Many Sudanese players are most comfortable playing at home — they don't like traveling,' he explained. 'I've been working to change that mentality, to push them to embrace the challenges that come with international competition.' Voices from the Pitch Striker Farres Abdullah is ready for the challenge. 'We're ready — physically and mentally,' he said. 'Nigeria is one of the strongest sides in the tournament, but we believe we can go deep in this competition.' Abdullah's confidence mirrors the growing belief in Sudan's camp that they can cause an upset. High Stakes in Zanzibar The match kicks off at 20:00 Local Time on Tuesday, August 12. A win for Sudan would put them within touching distance of the knockout rounds; a win for Nigeria would drag them back into contention and keep the group's fate undecided until the final day. Whatever the outcome, expect intensity from the first whistle — because for both sides, the margins for error have already disappeared.
CAF
11-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Sudan vs Nigeria: Appiah's Men Ready to Rewrite the Narrative
As the clock ticks down to a pivotal Group D showdown at the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024, all eyes turn to Sudan vs Nigeria, a fixture charged with ambition, redemption, and high stakes. For Sudan's head coach Kwesi Appiah, it's not just another match, it's a chance to set the record straight. "So far, preparation has gone really well," said Appiah, speaking with composed confidence. "Our last game against Congo didn't go entirely our way, but now we have the opportunity to turn the tables." In their opening match, Sudan had Congo on the ropes but lost their grip in the final minutes. It's a lesson Appiah doesn't want repeated and he's made that clear. Tactical Tweaks and Relentless Preparation Since the Congo clash, Appiah has drilled his squad through intense daily sessions, refining both defensive discipline and counter-attacking efficiency. "Training has been solid, and fortunately, we have no injury concerns," he said. "The boys are locked in—we're focused on playing to our strengths." His message is simple: learn fast, respond stronger. A Voice for African Coaches and Unity Beyond tactics, Appiah also touched on a deeper topic—the importance of empowering African coaches and fostering continental unity in football development. "Africans must first believe in ourselves before others can take us seriously," he declared. "It's not about where someone is from. It's about standing together as Africans." It's a powerful statement from a coach who's walked the talk across multiple national teams. Facing Nigeria: A Dangerous Foe Nigeria may have stumbled in their opener against Senegal, but Appiah isn't buying into any narratives of weakness. "One game doesn't define a team," he cautioned. "Every Nigerian player is dangerous. We must be ready for a physically strong side with serious attacking intent." With both teams desperate for points, this clash could explode into one of the group stage's most compelling contests. Step-by-Step Strategy Appiah remains grounded in his approach, opting for pragmatism over pressure. "We want to go far, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves. It's about taking it game by game and delivering our best each time." That mindset has been central to his coaching philosophy—and it's rubbing off on his players. The Sudanese Challenge: Beyond the Pitch Coaching Sudan comes with unique hurdles—language differences, mindset shifts, and cultural nuances. "Many Sudanese players are most comfortable playing at home—they don't like traveling," Appiah admitted. "I've been working to change that mentality, to push them to embrace the challenges that come with international competition." His long-term goal? Build a team that thrives in adversity. The player's perspective Striker Farres Abdullah echoed his coach's confidence ahead of the Nigeria clash: "We're ready—physically and mentally," he said. "Nigeria is one of the strongest sides in the tournament, but we believe we can go deep in this competition." Abdullah's words are more than talk—they reflect a team hungry to make history. What's at Stake The clash between Sudan and Nigeria kicks off on August 12, 2025, at 17:00 UTC, live from Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Sudan currently sits third in Group D with one point while Nigeria, bottom of the group with zero points, is fighting for survival A win for Nigeria could revive their CHAN journey. A win for Sudan? It would fuel a campaign built on resilience, belief, and quiet determination.
CAF
06-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Appiah: Sudan's CHAN fitness woes stem from lack of domestic league
Sudan head coach James Kwesi Appiah has blamed his team's fitness struggles at the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) on the lack of league football in the country, insisting the absence of regular domestic competition has left his players short of the physical sharpness required for top-level competition. Appiah made the remarks following Sudan's 1-1 draw with Congo in their Group D encounter, a result that saw his side concede a late equaliser after leading for most of the match. Despite the overall frustration, there were positives for Sudan, especially the opening goal scored by forward Musa Hussein. The striker showed excellent awareness in the 29th minute, latching onto a rebound and firing past Congo goalkeeper Ulrick Samba to hand Sudan the lead. However, Sudan's inability to maintain their advantage was punished late in the match when substitute Carly Ekongo found the net to level the score and earn Congo a crucial point. In his post-match assessment, Appiah did not hold back. 'We've had no active league back home, which has really affected the fitness levels of the players,' he said. 'It's not about confidence — they're just not in peak shape physically, and that's a major concern for us.' Sudan's preparation for the tournament was limited to a brief four-day training camp, and Appiah admitted that the short build-up has made it difficult for his squad to reach the necessary competitive standard. The lack of match fitness has contributed to a number of issues, including muscular injuries and lapses in tactical discipline. 'We're struggling with muscle pulls, and there's a bit of tactical indiscipline that we need to fix,' Appiah acknowledged. 'But overall, I wouldn't say it was a bad performance. We created some good scoring opportunities, and our striker Musa Hussein did well to capitalize on one of them.' Appiah also highlighted the psychological strain his players are dealing with, revealing that he has had to spend considerable time working on their mental readiness in the absence of consistent club football. For many of his players, CHAN represents a rare opportunity to play at a continental level, and adjusting to the intensity of the tournament has been a challenge. 'It's a psychological battle too,' he explained. 'I've had to do a lot of meetings just to get the players mentally ready to play at this level. It's not easy, but I have to keep motivating them to believe in themselves and the team's abilities.' With a week to go before their next match, Appiah is hoping to use the time wisely to address the fitness and tactical issues that have hampered his team's performances so far. 'We have a week to prepare,' he said. 'That gives me a chance to adjust the team and improve things. We'll work on our weaknesses and come back stronger against Nigeria.' The former Ghana national team boss also took time to commend Congo for their spirited display, especially in the second half, where they increased the pressure and eventually found the equaliser their performance deserved. 'Congo played well,' Appiah said. 'You can't underrate any team at this level. They deserved the draw. Our performance dropped a bit after the first half, and we'll learn from that.' Sudan will next face Nigeria on 12 August in what is shaping up to be a pivotal Group D clash. The CHAN Eagles are also looking to bounce back after their narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal, setting the stage for a fiercely contested match. Appiah remains optimistic, determined to steer Sudan towards qualification despite the odds stacked against them. 'The fight is still on, and we're determined to make a strong comeback,' he declared.
