Assistant coach of the Sudan national team, Ignatius Osei-Fosu, has claimed that securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a greater achievement than qualifying for the World Cup.

Osei-Fosu, along with his superior, Kwasi Appiah, led the Falcons of Jediane to their first AFCON qualification in 11 years, finishing second in their group with eight points.

Currently, Sudan has accumulated ten points and sit first in their 2026 World Cup qualification group, giving Osei-Fosu and Kwasi Appiah a chance to etch their names in Sudanese football history if they can secure World Cup qualification ahead of favorites Senegal.

Despite this, Osei-Fosu revealed in an interview with 3Sports that leading Sudan to the 2025 AFCON would still be a greater achievement, even if they manage to secure a first-ever World Cup qualification for the Falcons of Jediane.

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

Osei-Fosu further explained that, although Sudan sit in a strong position in their World Cup qualifying group, failing to qualify would not be seen as a failure, especially given the hope and belief they have restored in the nation.

“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.

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