Sudan players told to feel like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo by Kwesi Appiah
Clashes between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces militias have forced more than 11 million people from their homes.
Aid workers say it has created The world’s worst humanitarian crisis – Appiah had to watch some of his own players suffer personal tragedies.
“I know how caring Sudanese people are. Four players lost close family members during the camp,” he said.
“It’s a very sad situation but they try to cope. All the players comfort them and encourage them. It’s not easy.
“We face all this trauma, but you work through it.”
Just need one point from the last two qualifiers to advance Next year’s African Cup finals, Sudan faced Niger in the penultimate match and lost 4-0.
“This is actually something we never expected,” Appiah said.
“Whenever that happens, all you need to do is put the game behind you.
“I never talk about it because it’s in the past. You learn from it and move on.”
Appiah’s side made no mistakes in the final seconds of Benghazi, drawing 0-0 with group champions Angola. Achieving a feat that many thought was impossible.
“After the qualifying round we went to the Sudanese embassy and the ambassador said ‘everyone (Sudanese) put down their guns and they were all cheering in the streets’, which is not normal because once you are on the streets you look around (To see) if the gun is coming,” Appiah said.
“That’s something I always tell the players before any game.
“Look at your relatives, those back home, what they’re going through and let’s put a smile on their face.
“Football is one of the keys to such wars.”
