Afcon 'bringing hope' to Sudan amid civil war | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Sudan Civil War (2023-present): Conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
• Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: One of the world’s largest, with significant displacement and casualties.
• AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations): The biennial international men's football championship of Africa.
• National Unity through Football: The role of the Sudanese national team in providing hope and a sense of collective identity amidst conflict.
• Psychological Impact of War on Athletes: The emotional toll experienced by Sudanese players due to loss and the ongoing conflict.

Sudan’s AFCON Journey Amidst Civil War

The Sudanese national football team has significantly boosted their chances of advancing to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea. This achievement is particularly poignant given the extraordinary circumstances the team faces – playing all qualifying matches outside of Sudan due to the ongoing civil war. The team’s performance is viewed as a source of hope for a nation grappling with immense suffering.

The Context of Conflict and Displacement

Sudan descended into civil war in April 2023, a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The scale of the crisis is immense, with over 150,000 deaths and 12 million people displaced from their homes, as recognized by the United Nations as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. This conflict has directly impacted the Sudanese football program; the domestic league has been suspended, and players are forced to live and train outside of their country.

Player Experiences and Emotional Toll

The report highlights the deeply personal impact of the war on the players. Many have lost loved ones, and even those who remain have limited contact with family back home. One player recounts a harrowing experience with RSF soldiers while traveling, stating, “The time I was leaving like bodies on the ground. The rebels they used to stop us, make fun of us on the road…I support Marik. I can kill you right now. Nobody will ask me.” This illustrates the pervasive insecurity and brutality of the conflict.

Another player shared the devastating story of his best friend’s death, falsely accused of supporting the army and shot while attempting to explain himself. “They catch him…They say like you working with the army…They started to shoot him.” These accounts demonstrate the constant fear and loss experienced by Sudanese citizens.

The Role of Football as a Unifying Force

Despite the immense personal hardships, the Sudanese team is determined to represent their nation with pride. Players acknowledge the difficulty for those at home to even follow the matches, with some unable to access news or broadcasts due to the conflict. A player stated, “Some of them they can't watch the match. You know that not even on the radio they can hear. and uh yeah and every day people dying. We're trying to free our country on on the football way.”

Football has become a rare source of unity for the country. The report cites an instance where a victory over Ghana led to a temporary ceasefire, with soldiers laying down their arms to celebrate. “There was a game that we played and we beat Ghana too. All the soldiers, everybody put his gun down and they all jubilating around the town.”

Coaching and Team Management in Crisis

Coach Quesy’s role extends beyond tactical preparation. He also provides grief management and emotional support to players dealing with personal tragedies. “There have been several occasions where some…players will lose um their family members. So most of the time we all do sit around such player and console him.” This highlights the unique challenges of leading a team facing such profound personal loss.

Initial Tournament Performance and Future Outlook

Sudan’s campaign began with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Algeria. However, the recent victory against Equatorial Guinea has revitalized their hopes. While acknowledging that football cannot end the civil war, the team’s participation in AFCON serves as a powerful reminder to the world that Sudan remains resilient and its people are still fighting for a better future. As Celestein Caron, reporting from Rabbat, Morocco, concludes, the game has become “a powerful way to remind the world they are still here.”