“I Can End Your Life Right Now” – Sudan’s Footballers Amidst Civil Unrest

The Harsh Reality of Conflict

“They offered no mercy. They shot him more than two dozen times.”

“One of our childhood friends was also present, but he remained silent. He could do nothing but witness as our friend was murdered before his eyes— and that was the end.”

The starkness with which Sudanese forward John Mano describes the loss of his close friend Medo starkly contrasts with the fiery anguish reflected in his eyes. Medo is one among over 150,000 lives claimed since the onset of Sudan’s civil war in April 2023.

Mano, who made his national team debut shortly before the outbreak of the conflict, shared that Medo had traveled to Wadi Halfa, a city bordering Egypt, to obtain necessary documents for fleeing the country amid what the UN has termed the largest humanitarian catastrophe globally.

The Weight of Loss

“I believe they overlooked some certificates,” the 24-year-old recounted to BBC Sport Africa while staying at the team’s hotel during the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco. “It was crucial for the family, and he needed to return. He went home to gather his things.”

Mano continued, “They apprehended him and demanded, ‘Are you working with the army?’ He merely attempted to explain but was met with gunfire.”

A Nation’s Struggle

The ongoing clash between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Force (RSF) has displaced over 12 million individuals, leading to widespread famine and allegations of genocide particularly in the Darfur region. Understandably, football has taken a backseat— stadiums have been devastated, and the league has been suspended.

Sudan’s premier clubs, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, now compete in Rwanda’s league after spending the previous season in Mauritania.

“We lack a league, we have nothing,” Mano stated. “However, we cannot complain since people in my country are starving and have nothing to eat.”

Despite these grave hardships — including the need to host home Afcon qualifying matches in neutral locations — Sudan is competing in the finals for the fourth time since 1976.

Coaching Amid Crisis

Coach Kwesi Appiah from Ghana faces the challenge of motivating players to compete without any promise of payment and providing comfort after squad members experience personal losses.

“We encourage players to remember that even though their loved ones are gone, they are watching over them and what they can do for their country,” Appiah, who took charge in September 2023, explained. “Sometimes I need to grant players two or three days off to help them cope.”

Notably, many players have not returned home in years, with some fortunate enough to find new opportunities abroad.

Mano, like so many in the Falcons of Jediane team, has relocated to Libya, initially joining Al Ahly before moving to Al Akhdar. However, his journey out of Sudan was marked by a near-death experience.

“The rebels would stop us and mock us on the road,” he relayed. “They claimed, ‘You play for Al Hilal – what is Al Hilal? I support Al Merrikh. I could kill you right now, and no one would ask why.’ This experience is etched in my memory forever.”

The Power of Football

A Beacon of Hope Amidst Despair

Football represents a semblance of hope for the Sudanese amidst the chaos of war. As Mano passionately stated, “We are attempting to liberate our nation through football.” He assures that the team will fiercely compete in Morocco for their fans back home.

“Some fans cannot even access radio broadcasts to follow the matches,” he lamented. “Every day people are dying. We are fighting for our country in a manner unique to us.”

Unity Through Sport

Appiah and team captain Bakhit Khamis emphasize the importance of fostering a family-like atmosphere within the squad. “Football offers our people a much-needed reprieve,” Khamis affirmed, noting how it provides happiness and a respite from the ongoing struggles.

“This unity has become a fundamental aspect of our existence. Our mission is now stronger—Sudan first, above all,” Khamis added.

Appiah aims to inspire players, motivating them to realize their potential. His leadership has culminated in a memorable home victory in Libya against Ghana, the nation he once represented as a player and manager.

Celebration was even seen among soldiers back home after the victory, if only for a fleeting moment. Appiah recounted, “For that day, they set down their weapons.” His hope is for an end to hostilities so that everyone can eventually return home in joy.

“As we aspire to win Afcon,” he said, “you never know what might transpire.” In Mano’s eyes, football is a weapon to strive for his nation—a promise to the supporters that his team will battle fiercely in Morocco, celebrating every goal as a step towards peace.