2025 AFCON: Kwesi Appiah will have an upper edge over Ghana - Laryea Kingston

Former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston believes that Kwesi Appiah holds a significant advantage ahead of Sudan's clash with Ghana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Ghana has been grouped with Sudan, Angola, and Niger in the upcoming qualifiers, a draw that has sparked discussions due to Appiah's unique position as both a former Ghana coach and the current manager of Sudan.

Appiah, who previously led the Black Stars to the 2014 World Cup and the 2019 AFCON, is well-versed in Ghanaian football culture and tactics. Kingston highlighted this insider knowledge in an interview with 3Sports following the draw.

"Kwesi Appiah is Ghanaian, and he understands our approach to games," Kingston remarked. "He knows many strengths about Ghanaians and our mentality, so it will be challenging for us. Appiah will definitely have an edge because he understands us better than Otto understands the Sudanese players."

Kingston also pointed out Appiah's recent successes in guiding Sudan through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Sudan currently leads Group B with 10 points from four matches.

"If I were in Kwesi Appiah's position now, this would be a game I'd eagerly anticipate," Kingston added. "There's a lot I would want to prove and demonstrate that I still have what it takes to lead this country. It's shaping up to be one of the standout games during Otto's tenure with the Black Stars."

The AFCON qualifiers are scheduled to begin in September 2024 and conclude in November 2024. The top two teams from each group will advance to the AFCON finals in Morocco, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026.

Meanwhile, Ghana, aiming for its fifth AFCON title and its first since 1982, views the campaign under coach Otto Addo as pivotal in revitalizing national footballing pride and success.