Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah aims to lead Sudan to victory against his home country in a pivotal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday. The struggling Black Stars face significant pressure as they cannot afford another setback in their Group F campaign, following a disappointing start. They recently lost at home to Angola and managed only a draw against Niger, leaving them third in the group. Only the top two teams advance to the finals in Morocco.
Sudan, led by Appiah, have been impressive despite ongoing challenges, including their inability to play at home due to the ongoing civil war. They are currently second in the group with three points, behind Angola. Sudan also tops a 2026 World Cup qualifying group that includes Senegal, boasting Mohamed Abdelrahman as a consistent scorer.
Ghana faces challenges with key players, including Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, out due to injury. The match is crucial for both sides as they look to secure a place in the next stage of the competition.
South Africa vs. Congo
South Africa will be without key players as ‘super sub’ Thalente Mbatha is sidelined with an injury, while winger Percy Tau is unavailable. Additionally, midfielder Jayden Adams has been dropped due to unspecified disciplinary reasons. The 2024 AFCON bronze medallists did not impress last month, with Mbatha rescuing the team by scoring in added time to secure a draw against Uganda and a narrow win over South Sudan. Congo, on the other hand, have had a tough run, including a 6-0 defeat to Morocco in World Cup qualifiers, and are likely to struggle in Gqeberha.
Cameroon vs. Kenya
Cameroon, five-time AFCON champions, are looking to Bryan Mbeumo for goals as they face an improving Kenyan side in a crucial Group J top-of-the-table clash. Mbeumo, who has scored six Premier League goals for Brentford this season, is second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana sees Kenya as the “only serious threat” in a group that also includes Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Egypt vs. Mauritania
Mauritania faces a daunting task as they take on Group C leaders Egypt, who not only boast Liverpool’s prolific scorer Mohamed Salah but also Bundesliga star Omar Marmoush. Marmoush is currently the top scorer in the German league with eight goals for Eintracht Frankfurt, three more than England’s Harry Kane has for Bayern Munich. Salah arrives in top form, having just surpassed Didier Drogba as the highest-scoring African in the UEFA Champions League, netting his 45th goal.
Senegal vs. Malawi
Senegal, the reigning 2022 AFCON champions, will be under new leadership as Pape Thiaw takes over following the departure of long-time coach Aliou Cisse, whose contract was not renewed after nine years. Cisse’s exit came after failing to meet targets, including a World Cup quarter-final appearance and retaining the AFCON title. Thiaw, who was Cisse’s assistant, aims to start his tenure with a win against Malawi, who have struggled in Group L, conceding six goals in defeats to Burundi and Burkina Faso.
