Former Sudan national football team star Al-Jili Abdel-Khair has selected his all-time best Sudanese XI, while delivering a striking verdict on the country’s greatest player and expressing concern about the current state of football in Sudan.
In an interview, the ex-Al-Merrikh SC player reflected on different generations of Sudanese football, praising the depth of talent in earlier decades and contrasting it with what he described as a decline in the modern era. He noted that today’s players benefit from improved conditions that were not available to his generation, yet questioned whether the same level of natural ability remains.
At the centre of his remarks was a glowing tribute to the late Kamal Abdel-Wahab, whom he described as unmatched in Sudan’s football history.
“I witnessed successive generations of football stars. I consider myself lucky to have kept pace with wonderful generations across 3 historical eras. I also saw the stars of the current generation, and I consider the late Kamal Abdel-Wahab a legend that will never be repeated. We used to enjoy his style. The truth is that he is the best Sudanese player without a doubt and throughout history. Some may accuse me of being crazy if I say that he surpasses in talent and skill Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are classified as legends of the current generation. I have never seen a player who can dribble past defenders like him. I think his generation is lucky to have seen him.”
Golden Generation Dominates Historic Line-up
Abdel-Khair also unveiled his selection for Sudan’s greatest-ever team, emphasising that his choices were based on merit rather than personal bias towards his own era. However, he acknowledged that Sudanese football experienced what he described as a “golden age” during the 1970s and 1980s.
His chosen side reflects that period, featuring standout names across all positions. In goal, he selected Hamed Breima, while the defence includes Al-Sir Kawanda, Abdullah Musa, Suleiman Abdel-Qader and Khader Kouri. The midfield trio is made up of Bishara Abdel-Nadheef, Bushra Wahba and Sami Ezz El-Din, with an attacking line of Kamal Abdel-Wahab, Nasr El-Din Abbas Jaksa and Al-Fadil Santo.
He stressed that his selections do not diminish the contributions of other notable figures from Sudan’s football history, naming several players he competed alongside, including Al-Tayeb Sand, Jadallah Khair Al-Sayed, Ammar Khalid, Abdel-Nour, Abdo Al-Sheikh, Adel Amin, Jamal Abu Anja, Ali Qaqrin and Mustafa Al-Naqr.
Concerns Over Present and Call for Reform
Despite celebrating past achievements, Abdel-Khair expressed cautious optimism about the present national team, noting signs of progress and resilience in recent competitions, including qualification success for the African Nations Championship in Morocco.
However, he warned that inconsistency and a lack of ambition remain significant challenges.
“Currently, the national team has progressed with great confidence and succeeded in overcoming difficult obstacles. It also achieved great success in the qualifiers for the African Nations Championship held in Morocco. However, the real problem lies in continuity and weak ambition.”
He concluded with a call for structural change, adding: “Sudanese football needs a revolution to change many concepts, and we also need more attention and resources, as the player is naturally talented.”
Legacy and Lessons for the Future
Abdel-Khair’s reflections highlight both pride in Sudan’s footballing heritage and concern for its future direction. By honouring past legends while urging reform, his message underscores the need to bridge the gap between historical excellence and modern ambition in Sudanese football.
