Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah could lose his job if the national team fails to produce positive results against Senegal in their two upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, according to sources close to the Sudanese Football Association.
The Falcons of Jediane are preparing for a training camp in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the encounters scheduled for 12 and 15 November, with the results expected to have a major influence on their hopes of reaching the continental tournament.
Appiah is under pressure to guide Sudan through the double-header and strengthen their position in the qualification race. However, the Ghanaian coach’s future is reportedly uncertain, with the federation considering a change in leadership if the team suffers another setback.
Reliable sources told WinWin that the Sudanese FA could dismiss Appiah if the national team falters against Senegal, a scenario that would leave their qualification ambitions in serious danger.
The situation is particularly delicate because Senegal could move close to securing a place at the finals if they reach 10 points. The West African side would then have a significant advantage heading into their remaining qualifying matches against Ethiopia and Mozambique.
For Sudan, the consequences of failing to collect positive results could be severe. Even if the Falcons win their final two fixtures in the fifth and sixth rounds, their points total would not exceed nine, according to the report.
That leaves Appiah facing two important matches in which both Sudan’s qualification hopes and his position as head coach could be at stake.
Sudan prepare contingency plan if Appiah fails
The Sudanese Football Association is understood to have drawn up an alternative strategy should the senior national team fail to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the sources, the plan would involve significant changes to the coaching structure, including the possibility of handing responsibility to a local technical team.
The federation is also considering reshaping the squad by introducing more young players, with the intention of giving emerging talents greater opportunities at senior international level.
The proposed changes are linked to the recent progress made by Sudan’s youth team, which has enjoyed success in regional competition.
The youth side won the CECAFA title and secured qualification for the African Youth Championship finals. It is also competing for an opportunity to reach the World Cup.
The federation reportedly sees that progress as an opportunity to build for the future, particularly if the senior team fails to meet its immediate targets against Senegal.
Appiah’s position under scrutiny
Appiah took charge of the Sudan national team in October 2023 and is now approaching his fourth season in the role.
The Ghanaian has enjoyed several notable achievements with the Falcons of Jediane, but his position is reportedly becoming increasingly uncertain as the federation assesses the team’s prospects of reaching the next Africa Cup of Nations.
His salary is also understood to be a factor in the federation’s considerations. The sources said Appiah earns more than the budget allocated to the technical staff, making his contract a significant financial commitment for the association.
That issue has reportedly strengthened the case for considering his departure if Sudan fail to qualify for the continental finals for a second consecutive edition.
For now, Appiah’s immediate task is to prepare his players for the two meetings with Senegal in Kigali. The matches could prove decisive not only for Sudan’s campaign but also for the future of the coach who has led the team since 2023.
With the federation already considering alternatives, the pressure on the Ghanaian has increased ahead of a crucial stage in Sudan’s qualification campaign.
