Sudan Under-20 coach Salah Al-Fanj says his side are determined to win the CECAFA title and give the Sudanese people something to celebrate when they face Tanzania in Thursday’s final.
Sudan secured their place in the East and Central Africa Championship final and, in doing so, also booked their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Al-Fanj believes his players can complete the job despite facing a difficult opponent on home soil.
Speaking exclusively to winwin, the Sudan coach said his team had prepared specifically for the final after enduring a demanding run of matches during the knockout stages.
“We have the desire and determination to win the East and Central Africa Championship title, as the team includes outstanding players who are not lacking in ambition.”
Al-Fanj acknowledged the challenge posed by Tanzania, who will have home advantage and the support of their own supporters, but said the circumstances surrounding Sudan have provided his players with an additional source of motivation.
“We are aware of the difficulty of the match and the strength of the opponent who is playing on his home ground and in front of his fans, but we have double motivations to give the Sudanese people a joy they deserve in light of the difficult circumstances the country is going through, and we wish for success.”
The coach has also drawn up a specific preparation plan for the final as Sudan attempt to finish their campaign with another major achievement.
“We are striving to prepare the players, and we have put in place a special preparation program to face the Tanzanian national team. We have gone through a grueling marathon of matches with a time interval of no more than 72 hours, yet we succeeded in reaching the final, and we achieved a double gain by securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals. We also have the opportunity to compete and qualify for the World Cup, given the connection of the two tournaments to the East and Central Africa qualifiers.”
Reaching the final has already guaranteed Sudan a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the CECAFA Under-20 Championship providing two qualifying places for the region.
Al-Fanj has also been involved with the senior national team and played a role in its achievements alongside technical director Kwesi Appiah. However, he is currently focused on his Under-20 side as they prepare for the decisive encounter with Tanzania.
The coach was also asked about Sudan’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Ethiopia and Mozambique. He said he was currently away from the senior team but expressed his confidence in the players.
“The national team stars know very well what is required of them, and I wish them success in these two matches.”
Sudan will meet Tanzania at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the Tanzanian capital on Thursday, 24 September, with the CECAFA Under-20 title at stake.
For Al-Fanj and his players, the final represents an opportunity to build on an already successful campaign. Qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations has been secured, but the Sudan coach now wants his side to finish their journey by lifting the regional championship.
