2025 AFCON Q: Unease has started as Ghana coach Otto Addo salutes Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah

Ghana coach, Otto Addo has conceded that it will be a daunting task for his side to beat Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, acknowledging the impressive form of the Sudanese team under former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah.

The Black Stars have been paired with Sudan, Angola, and Niger in Group F of the qualifiers, with Addo singling out Sudan as a formidable opponent.

“We have Sudan who are really, really doing well at the moment with Kwesi Appiah, which I know personally,” he told the Ghana FA website. “He is a very good coach. They are not a known squad, but like I said, they are doing really, really good at the moment in the World Cup qualification games, very, very tough to beat.”

Addo praised Appiah for his impact on the Sudanese team, saying that they have been impressive in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they currently lead Group B ahead of Senegal and DR Congo.

“It’s going to be a really big challenge to beat them, and for this, we have to be at 100% best,” he said. “But I am excited to play against them, and like I said it’s going to be tough. It’s not easy, but we have a strong team, and we surely can beat them, this is for sure.”

Sudan’s success in the World Cup qualifiers has set them up as one of the dark horses in the AFCON qualifiers, as they seek to replicate their impressive form and secure their 10th AFCON appearance. Ghana, on the other hand, are aiming for their fifth AFCON title and will be looking to make a strong start to their campaign under Addo.

The Black Stars’ last AFCON triumph dates back to 1982, making their campaign under Addo crucial for national pride and footballing success.

The qualifiers are set to kick off in September this year, with Ghana looking to overcome the challenges posed by their opponents in Group F and make a strong push for AFCON glory.