Sudan launched their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Niger on Wednesday, despite being unable to play on home soil due to ongoing civil conflict.
With the other three matches in the first round all ending in draws, Sudan’s win was the only victory of the day. The matches between Comoros and Gambia, Libya and Rwanda, and Tanzania and Ethiopia all concluded without a winner.
Since the outbreak of conflict between the national army and a paramilitary force in April 2023, Sudan’s national team has been forced to train and compete abroad. Hosting their match against Niger in Juba, the capital of neighbouring South Sudan, Sudan secured their win with a goal from Abo Eisa in the 51st minute. Eisa, who plays for a club in Thailand, clinched the three points for Sudan in Group F.
Comoros, who also faced a home ground issue due to the lack of an international-standard stadium, played their match against Gambia in El Jadida, Morocco. Youssouf M’Changama put Comoros ahead in the 37th minute, but Musa Barrow equalised for Gambia just before half-time, leaving the match at 1-1.
In Group D, Libya and Rwanda played to a 1-1 draw in Tripoli. Subhi al Dhawi scored for Libya after 17 minutes, but Innocent Nshuli equalised for Rwanda just two minutes into the second half.
Ethiopia and Tanzania, in Group H, played out a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam, with Ethiopia failing to record a shot on target throughout the match.
Seven more qualifying matches are scheduled for Thursday, featuring four former African champions: Algeria, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana, and Tunisia.