He has changed our mentality – Sudan forward Abobaker Eisa lauds Kwesi Appiah’s influence

Kwesi Appiah with Sudanese playersSudan forward, Abobaker Eisa has eulogized Kwesi Appiah’s impact since he was appointed the head coach of theFalcons of Jediane.His commendation comes after Sudan’s impressive performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.Kwesi Appiah led his side tobeat Ghana 2-0 in the reverse leg in Libya after the first leg ended goalless at the Accra Sports Stadium.The victory against Ghana came exactly 18 months after the civil war between Sudans army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia began.But despite being ravaged by war, a point in their next two games will secure Sudans qualification to the AFCON, a feat which they last achieved in 2021.With the things that are going on in Sudan right now, the civil war, were playing a much bigger game. People are in the streets to watch the games, and this is giving them a lot of joy amongst the chaos thats been going on. It makes them feel proud, Abobaker Eisa told BBC Sport Newsday.Appiah, since his appointment as Sudan coach in September 2023, has an enviable record of nine wins, five draws and four defeats in 18 games.Abobaker Eisa acknowledged Kwesi Appiahs influence on the team, and how he has instilled belief in the players.He brings a lot of experience and hes changed our mentality into thinking we could beat anyone.I think thats the biggest difference that youre seeing here with the Sudanese team. Everyone knows that hes a legend in his country and what hes done for his country. But hes told us he believes that we could do something big together. Were going step by step but it is coming to fruition now, he said.Sudan have picked up seven points in the AFCON qualifiers, losing just once and winning twice.Appiahs status in Sudanese football can reach legendary level if he manages to lead Sudan to the 2026 World Cup.Sudan lead the way in their World Cup qualifying group, beating the likes of Senegal, Dr Congo and Togo to the summit.