2025 AFCON Qualifiers: We have to at our best to beat Sudan, says Otto Addo

Ghana coach Otto Addo has emphasized that his team must be at their best to defeat Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Black Stars are grouped with Sudan, Angola, and Niger in the qualifying draw.

Sudan, coached by former Ghana manager Kwesi Appiah, has demonstrated impressive performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Under Appiah's guidance, Sudan currently leads Group B, outpacing formidable teams like Senegal and DR Congo.

Following the draw announcement, Otto Addo praised Kwesi Appiah for his accomplishments and indicated that Ghana will need to be at their peak to secure victory.

"We have Sudan who are really, really doing well at the moment with Kwesi Appiah which I know personally," he told the Ghana FA website.

"He is a very good coach. They are not a known squad but like I said, they are doing really, really good at the moment in the World Cup qualification games, very, very tough to beat.

"It’s going to be a really big challenge to beat them and for this, we have to be at 100% best. But I am excited to play against them, and like I said it’s going to be tough.

"It’s not easy but we have a strong team and we surely can beat them, this is for sure," he added.

Appiah's Sudanese team aims to maintain their impressive World Cup qualifying form as they seek their 10th AFCON appearance. Despite their rich history, Sudan has struggled in recent AFCON tournaments, last appearing in 2021 and exiting in the Group Stage.

Meanwhile, Ghana is pursuing its fifth AFCON title, continuing their quest for continental glory. The Black Stars' last AFCON victory was in 1982, making their campaign under coach Otto Addo crucial for national pride and football success.