James Kwesi Appiah, head coach of the Sudan national football team, has travelled to Khartoum for an urgent meeting with Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan.
Appiah will first meet Sudanese FA President Mutasim Jaafar Sarkhatm at the airport, who will escort him to the presidential palace later today.
The purpose of the emergency meeting remains undisclosed, fueling speculation amidst Sudan’s ongoing 20-month civil conflict, which has significantly disrupted daily life and sporting activities. The Sudan Premier League has been suspended, leaving domestic players without competitive action. The national team has been forced to train and prepare in Saudi Arabia, while Sudanese players based abroad continue with their respective clubs.
Despite these challenges, Kwesi Appiah has delivered remarkable results. Under his leadership, Sudan secured qualification for both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco and the African Nations Championship (CHAN). These achievements have been a source of pride for the nation amid the turmoil.
The Ghanaian coach’s emergency summons suggests urgent national football or security matters could be under discussion, particularly as Sudan seeks to balance its sporting ambitions with the complexities of the ongoing crisis. Further details are expected following the conclusion of the meeting.
Kwesi Appiah, a former Black Stars coach, assumed his role with Sudan under challenging circumstances and has earned praise for his resilience and tactical acumen. Sudan’s success on the pitch is a beacon of hope for a nation in distress.
