Kwesi Appiah Finalizes Sudan’s AFCON 2025 Squad
Kwesi Appiah Finalizes Sudan’s AFCON 2025 Squad
The Falcons of Jediane are preparing for their tenth-ever appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, having successfully navigated a challenging qualification process. Head Coach James Kwesi Appiah, the Ghanaian tactician who successfully led the team through the qualifiers, has officially announced the final squad list that will represent the nation in Group E.
The selection reflects Appiah’s strategy of relying heavily on the core strength and experience of the domestic league, particularly players from the traditional powerhouses, Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, who have maintained the national team’s cohesion despite the ongoing civil strife forcing them to play matches abroad.
Leaning on Domestic Cohesion
With limited international representation, Appiah has placed his faith in the tactical understanding and chemistry built within the domestic football scene. This foundation was recently tested and sharpened during their successful campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup, a tournament Appiah openly praised for aiding his squad’s preparation against international opposition.
Leading the line is veteran striker Mohamed Abdelrahman (Al-Hilal), a proven goalscorer and crucial leader for the team. He is supported in attack by key players like Yaser Muzmel (Al-Hilal) and the experienced Seif Terry.
The midfield is anchored by the influential duo of Walieldin Khidir and Mohamed Abuaagla Abdalla, two experienced central midfielders who will be tasked with controlling the tempo and shielding a defense built around players like Mustafa Karshoum and captain Bakhit Khamis (Al-Ahli Tripoli).
The Final Squad List for AFCON 2025:
The squad is largely dominated by players from the local league, though a few are based outside Sudan:
Goalkeepers
Mohamed Abouja (Mohamed Abou Achrine), Mohamed Al-Nour Abouja, Mohamed Elias, Ali Abdallah Abou Achrine.
Defenders
Bakht Khallil, Ramadan Al-Ajab, Abdallah Al-Naqir, Wali Eddine Khidr Chouq, Abdelraouf Yacoub, Abou Aaqila Abdallah, Mustafa Karshoum, Bakhit Khamis (Al-Ahli Tripoli, Libya).
Midfielders
Mohamed Al-Rachid, Abdallah Janna, Siddig Adel, Wali Eddine Moussa, Abdelraouf Yacoub, Abuaagla Abdalla (Al-Ahly Benghazi, Libya), Ammar Taifour (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia).
Forwards
Seif Terry, Moussa Kante, Mohamed Abdelrahman (Al-Hilal), Mazen Fayçal, Al-Jazouli Nouh (Al-Ahli Tripoli, Libya), Mohamed Abdelrahman Al-Hilal, Yaser Muzmel.
The Challenge of Group E
Sudan is grouped in Group E, facing a daunting schedule against some of the continent’s most challenging teams:
- December 24, 2025: vs. Algeria
- December 28, 2025: vs. Equatorial Guinea
- December 31, 2025: vs. Burkina Faso
Despite the external challenges faced by the national team, Kwesi Appiah remains optimistic, believing the Falcons of Jediane have the resilience and tactical discipline to compete in the difficult group and aim for a place in the knockout stages. Their recent form, including a strong showing in the FIFA Arab Cup and CHAN PAMOJA this year, where they clinched fourth place, cannot be underestimated.
