Ignatius Osei -Fosu rates 2025 AFCON qualfication as a bigger achievement than World Cup

Ignatius Osei-Fosu, assistant coach of the Sudan national football team, has emphasized that qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a more significant achievement than earning a place in the FIFA World Cup.

Osei-Fosu, alongside head coach Kwasi Appiah, guided Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco. The team finished second in Group F, amassing eight points to clinch qualification.

Currently excelling in World Cup qualifiers, Sudan tops Group B with 10 points after four matches, raising hopes of a maiden appearance in the 2026 World Cup. However, Osei-Fosu believes the AFCON qualification holds greater importance.

“I see qualifying for the AFCON as a greater achievement than securing a World Cup slot,” he told 3Sports.

He elaborated that while Sudan is in a strong position to contend for a World Cup spot, missing out would not tarnish the strides the team has made. Their progress has already revitalized national pride and optimism.

“It will never be a failure on our part should we fail to qualify for the World Cup. At least we gave them some belief and hope,” he added.

Sudan is set to face Senegal and South Sudan in March 2025 in the next round of World Cup qualifiers, aiming to maintain their lead and make history.