Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah guided Sudan to a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia as the Falcons of Jediane made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Sudan secured all three points in their Group J opener at Juba Stadium on Friday, with Mohamed Eisa scoring from the penalty spot four minutes before the end of normal time.
The result puts Sudan at the top of Group J after the opening round of matches, with Senegal and Mozambique sharing the other points following their 1-1 draw in Maputo.
Sudan and Ethiopia had both started the contest strongly as they looked to gain an early advantage in the group.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock before half-time, however, with the score remaining goalless at the interval.
The hosts returned from the break with greater control of the match, while also having to deal with pressure from an Ethiopia side searching for an opening of their own.
The game remained finely balanced for much of the second half, with neither team able to find the decisive goal.
Sudan eventually broke the deadlock in the 86th minute when Eisa converted from the penalty spot to put his side ahead.
With only a few minutes remaining, Ethiopia were unable to produce a response and Sudan held on to secure a narrow victory.
The three points give Appiah’s side an early advantage in Group J and allow them to take sole possession of first place after the opening fixtures.
Sudan’s victory also means they have taken full advantage of Senegal dropping points in their opening match.
Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique in Maputo, in what was Patrick Vieira’s first match as manager of the Lions.
That result left Senegal and Mozambique level on one point each, while Ethiopia finished the opening round without a point.
Sudan will now turn their attention to their next assignment, when they travel to Mozambique in the second round of matches.
The meeting with the Mambas presents another opportunity for Sudan to strengthen their position at the top of the group and build on their positive start under Appiah.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, will face Senegal on Matchday Two in a fixture that could prove important for both sides after their opening setbacks.
The Walia Ibex will be looking to respond after failing to find an equaliser against Sudan, while Senegal will also be seeking their first victory of the qualifying campaign after being held by Mozambique.
With Sudan already holding a three-point lead over their immediate rivals, the Falcons of Jediane have made the kind of start that could prove significant as the race for qualification develops.
For Appiah, the victory provides three valuable points from an opening fixture that remained goalless until the final stages.
Sudan will now attempt to carry that momentum into their trip to Mozambique, while Ethiopia face the challenge of recovering against Senegal in their next Group J encounter.
