The Sudan Football Association has cancelled all friendly matches scheduled during the national team’s training camp in Doha after concerns emerged over the fitness of several players.
The decision was announced on Monday, 25 May, with the federation confirming that the Sudan national team would no longer play any of the planned warm-up fixtures in the Qatari capital.
Among the cancelled matches is the scheduled friendly against the Lebanon national football team, which had been due to take place on Thursday, 28 May.
In a statement published on the federation’s official website, the Sudan Football Association explained that the cancellations were linked to the unavailability of some players for health-related reasons.
The federation also confirmed that the team would continue the camp through training sessions only before returning to Sudan at the beginning of June.
The move represents a significant adjustment to Sudan’s preparations as the national side continue planning for upcoming continental competitions.
Appiah Expected to Recall Experienced Players
At the same time, reports suggest coach Kwesi Appiah is preparing major changes to the squad of the “Falcons of Jediane”.
According to sources cited by Winwin, Appiah intends to recall several experienced players who had previously been excluded following the African Nations Championship finals held in Morocco at the end of 2025.
The anticipated changes are expected to strengthen the national team ahead of future qualification campaigns.
Reports indicate the squad will feature a significant number of players based abroad, with nine footballers from foreign leagues already participating in the current evaluation camp in Doha.
The camp is being used by the coaching staff to assess player fitness and tactical readiness while also reshaping the squad for the next phase of competition.
Federation Revises Preparation Plans
Sudan’s football authorities are also believed to be working on broader short-term and long-term plans for the national team.
According to the report, the national teams committee within the federation has designed a new preparation strategy involving a series of trial camps combined with friendly matches against leading Arab and African national teams in the future.
Although the current friendlies have been cancelled, the federation still views international preparation matches as an important part of the team’s long-term development.
The revised strategy is aimed at preparing Sudan for qualification matches ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
That tournament will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Sudan have been drawn into Group 10 alongside Senegal national football team, Mozambique national football team and Ethiopia national football team.
The group is expected to provide a demanding challenge for the Falcons of Jediane as they attempt to secure qualification for the continental competition.
Focus Shifts to Internal Preparation
With the cancellation of the Qatar friendlies, Sudan’s immediate focus will now shift entirely towards internal preparation and fitness work.
The decision highlights the difficulties national teams can face when balancing player availability, health concerns and preparation schedules ahead of important international campaigns.
For Appiah, the Doha camp still offers an opportunity to evaluate players and rebuild squad cohesion despite the absence of competitive fixtures.
The expected return of several established names could also provide additional experience and leadership within the squad as Sudan continue planning for future regional and continental competitions.
The federation is expected to provide further updates regarding future training camps and international fixtures once the team returns from Doha in early June.
