In the shadow of a devastating civil war that has claimed over 150,000 lives, Sudan’s national football team is scripting a story of resilience and hope. The narrative is powerfully embodied by striker John Mano, who carries the memory of his best friend, Medo, executed by militants while attempting to flee the conflict.
Mano recounts the traumatic incident with a chilling matter-of-factness that belies the pain in his eyes. His friend was shot more than twenty times after being stopped and accused of collaborating with the army, a moment witnessed helplessly by another childhood friend. This personal tragedy is a microcosm of the widespread suffering in Sudan, where a power struggle between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has triggered the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, displacing over 12 million people and causing widespread famine.
The domestic football league has collapsed, with iconic stadiums like Al Hilal’s ‘Blue Jewel’ in Omdurman lying in ruins. Major clubs Al Hilal and Al Merrikh have been forced into exile, currently competing in the Rwandan league. Despite these overwhelming challenges, the national team, the Falcons of Jediane, has achieved a remarkable feat: qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco for only the fourth time since 1976.
This success is a testament to the extraordinary leadership of Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah and the unifying spirit within the squad. Appiah has shouldered the immense task of managing a team playing without guarantees of payment and constantly grieving lost family members. He provides emotional support and time off for players to process their grief, fostering an environment where they feel they can be ‘the best in the world.’
For captain Bakhit Khamis, football is the only relief for the Sudanese people. He speaks of a powerful, unavoidable feeling of unity within the team, where the goal has become ‘Sudan first, Sudan above everything.’ This spirit was palpable when the team discovered that soldiers back home had momentarily laid down their arms to celebrate a qualifying victory over Ghana.
Many players, including Mano who now plays in Libya, have faced direct threats and cannot return home. They see football not just as a game, but as a weapon to fight for their country’s pride and a beacon of hope for millions who often cannot even watch or listen to their matches. Their promise is to battle on the pitch in Morocco, striving to bring a moment of joy to a nation in pain, aiming to ‘free our country the football way.’