Sudan’s Desert Hawks Bound for AFCON

Sudan’s Desert Hawks beat South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 2-0 at Al Hilal Stadium in Omdurman on Sunday, 28 March 2021 to secure their first Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification since 2012 when they reached the quarter finals.

This brings Sudan’s points total to 12, meaning that the team will join 23 other teams at the 33rd edition of the AFCON finals in Cameroon in January 2022.

🇸🇩 The Falcons of Jediane are through to the #TotalAFCON for the 9th time! 👏🥳@SFASocial | #TotalAFCONQ2021 pic.twitter.com/uEuBwWLpnb

— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 28, 2021

The Desert Hawks, who are also known as the Falcons of Jediane, also had a 2-0 precious victory over Sao Tome and Principe on Wednesday, 24 March 2021.

2️⃣7️⃣’ Mohamed Abdulrahman: “Let’s make some noise!”
5️⃣3️⃣’ Saifeldin Bakhit: “Even louder!”

Two extraordinary goals by the Sudanese. 🇸🇩💫 #TotalAFCONQ2021 pic.twitter.com/j2EG84csSZ

— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 24, 2021

The 33^rd edition of the biennial AFCON tournament was originally planned for 9 January to 6 February 2021, but was postponed due to COVID-19 precautions, will be hosted in Cameroon in January 2022.

Sudan was one of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) founding teams, and even hosted the maiden edition in 1957. In 1959 and 1963, Sudan was a runner-up. However, the Desert Hawks had to wait until 1970 to taste glory, which is Sudan’s first and only AFCON title.

Sudan in Total AFCON 2021

Sudan vs Sao Tome and Principe 2-0

Sudan vs South Africa 2-0

Reactions

Many took to social media to celebrate Sudan’s first qualification in nine years.

A happy day for #Sudan 🇸🇩 leaders taking a significant step towards peace and its football team qualifying for #AFCON2021 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xQM9lAOkAV

— Hiba Morgan (@hiba_morgan) March 28, 2021

Not to make it political, but Sudan needed this win to boost our general morale🎉 3gbal the win for AFCON in 2022.

— امنه صلاح (@theamnasalah) March 28, 2021

Thought I’d never see Sudan in an international tournament again #AFCON2021

— Hassan (@classan_) March 28, 2021