Sudanese journalist Ibrahim Salih has showered praise on Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, crediting him for Sudan’s remarkable rise and qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Salih described Appiah’s contribution as nothing short of extraordinary, insisting few believed Sudan could reach the continental showpiece before the former Black Stars coach took charge.
“To be honest, after God, I believe that Kwesi Appiah has done a lot for Sudan. Nobody believed Sudan was going to qualify for AFCON,” Salih said.
Salih stressed that Appiah’s influence went beyond tactics and training ground routines, highlighting a major psychological transformation within the squad.
“But Kwesi Appiah has a lot more than training. He worked on their mentality and made our players believe that they can do it,” he noted.
Sudan’s presence in Morocco for the tournament, according to Salih, remains surreal for many supporters and observers.
“To be in this place (Morocco for the AFCON), I didn’t actually dream. And without him, I don’t believe that we can do it,” he added.
Salih concluded by expressing Sudan’s appreciation to both Appiah and Ghana, acknowledging the bond created through the coach’s success with the Falcons of Jediane.
“We are so happy, and we love Ghana very well because Kwesi Appiah has done a lot for us. So thank you, Ghana,” he said.
Kwesi Appiah’s work has earned widespread admiration, with Sudan now enjoying renewed belief and competitiveness on the African football stage.
He has led the country to their first AFCON win in 13 years and progressed to the knockout stage for the first time since 1970.
