The Homeland Triumphs at Last
Mohamed Abdelmajid
At this time, we dont need the Sudanese national team to win to maintain our chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. At this time, we need the victory of the national team because we need a win that unites us and confirms our unity. When emotions unite, conflicts end, and disagreements within us always remain an element of our strength and unity as well. It is a dispute that does not spoil the cause of friendship. This victory remains dear because it came at a challenging time.
Now, we need the victory to prove that triumph is possible without firing a single bullet, that nations are built with sweat, and that Sudanese blood is precious and worthy of preservation, not shedding and wasting. The Sudanese national team won, proving that circumstances should not be a scapegoat for our failures. Crises and obstacles increase our strength, and the joy that comes in such circumstances remains enjoyable and great, challenging our wounds and mocking them.
The Sudanese national team drew in the first match against the Togolese national team and won the second match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are good results even if they were achieved in better conditions and normal situations. How much more so after these results were achieved while the country is in the midst of a devastating war, and the team is playing away from home in Benghazi, away from its land? The Sudanese audience in Benghazı did its duty and more, making the team feel like it was playing on its home ground in front of its fans. The brothers in Libya were also on time, not sparing anything for the Sudanese national team.
What pleased us more than the victory is the evident effort and hard work. If we have these solutions and these professional elements abroad, why do we deprive Sudan of its sons? Sudan has the potential to be among the top with the capabilities it possesses. "I have not seen in peoples flaws anything like the deficiency of those capable of completion."
The victory of Sudan over the Congolese national team revealed our shortcomings in the homeland. We could have done that a long time ago. Sudan has a proud history, a loving and passionate fan base for football, and these are things that cannot be bought. In addition to the great talents that Sudan possesses, not only in football but in all sports, as well as in various fields, including administrative and scientific fields. In reality, we lack the will, determination, and the ability to plan properly for a bright future.
Sudans victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo puts Sudan at the top of its group, even if temporarily. This leadership, when the second round of qualifiers for the World Cup is completed, will make Sudans chances good and significant for qualifying for the finals, with Senegal in the group. This will make playing for the professionals abroad with the Sudanese national team a wish, and their participation in the qualifiers will become a desire so that they can participate with the team in the World Cup finals, a goal for every professional player, regardless of the national team with which they will participate.
The Sudanese national team, through the results and the level it has shown in the recent matches, can enable those who wear its badge and represent it to achieve this and can give them this honor. Therefore, the Sudanese Football Association and the coaching staff of the national team should look for more Sudanese professional talents abroad.
One of the initial aspects we should stand and express gratitude for is the Sudanese Football Associations successful choice of the coaching staff led by the Ghanaian coach Kwasi Appiah, a coach with extensive African experience and a World Cup background. The impact of this coach and his Moroccan assistant was quickly evident, and renowned names always deliver significant results. Credit is also due to the extensive preparatory camp held for the national team in Saudi Arabia and Libya during the sports suspension domestically. It is now up to the football association to continue this positive momentum and bring back domestic football, as there is no better preparation for the national team than the return of the Premier League.
The overseas professional players who joined the national team have added a lot, not only on the technical level but also in terms of media and fan engagement. The enthusiasm of the fans and media for the national team has grown significantly after the inclusion of these notable players, and the results they achieved have earned respect for the team even from international media platforms. With Senegal and Congo in Sudans group, there are now voices predicting Sudans qualification for the finals or at least discussing its chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
The upcoming national team rounds in June, more than six months away, provide a good opportunity for the return and completion of the Premier League during that period, especially since the national team includes players from clubs other than Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh. Its worth noting that Al-Hilal is the only Sudanese team competing in Africa and playing football. The greatest service the Sudanese Football Association can offer is the return of the Premier League. Its not only the national team that needs it; Al-Hilal also does, along with all other clubs and the Sudanese people who consider football one of their essential outlets.
In a previous article, I mentioned that Al-Hilal players are currently the most prepared, so they should be given the greatest opportunity in the national team matches. Five Al-Hilal players started in the national team, and Emad El-Shein made a late appearance, showcasing good technical and physical levels. The trio from Al-Merrikh - Bakhit Khamis, Ahmed Adam "Kershoom," and Mohamed El-Rashid - performed exceptionally, along with the professional players Mohamed Issa and Saif Terry.
The national team is expected to improve further with the return of Al-Gharbal and the addition of Waleed Eldin Bugha, who is considered a crucial addition. Additionally, other potential names from abroad are likely to join the team, enhancing Sudans chances of qualifying for the finals. Even with the presence of Senegal, the current African champion and the best African team, alongside Morocco, Egypt, and Ivory Coast, Sudans chances appear promising, especially if the war subsides and the team returns to play in Omdurman in front of its fans after the impressive performances in the recent matches.
We hope for the return of the Sudan we long for and for Omdurman (the beloved) to host international matches again. The Sudanese people experienced great joy after the national teams victory over Congo, and they deserve to be happy. Football is the only thing that brings us joy, so lets not deprive the Sudanese people of this happiness.
Congratulations to Sudan, and we look forward to Al-Hilal following the same path and returning from Angola with three points.
Mataris:
All the national team players were on point, starting with the experienced player Abu Ashreen, who instills confidence and assurance between the goalposts. Abu Ashreen is a player for big matches, and his return to the national team was a strong addition, despite the mistake he made that could have cost Sudan a goal. Mustafa Kershoom is the best defender in the field right now, alongside the fighter Ernq and the wise player Tayeb Abdul Razik, who is often unfairly overlooked by the media and the fans. Bakhit Khamis was a great captain and created a goal from a corner kick, following the style of North African teams and their major clubs. Awad Zayed secured his place in the national team, given the presence of professionals and players from Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh. This should be credited to him. Ernq is an indispensable player, even if injured. Salah Adel is a true fighter, a rare commodity, a unique player. Abu Aqla is the complete brain. Abu Aqla has the mentality to play in European leagues.
Surprisingly, Mohamed El-Rashid showed an outstanding level despite his long absence from official matches. Yasser Muzamil paves the way for everyone, making all roads lead to the opponents goal. Mohamed Issa, it is enough that he is a professional who came at a difficult time from Europe to play with his national team. Abu Bakr Issa, much is expected from him. Saif Terry is Saif Terry, and thats enough.
Although Al-Hilal will lose Ernq in the upcoming rounds, the national team has provided great benefits to Al-Hilal. Emad El-Shein. The coaching staff, both in the national team and Al-Hilal, have not yet discovered his full capabilities. Suleiman Azlallah, Ahmed Ismat, and Mazen Simbo. The future of the national team and its players in the World Cup finals, God willing. Ernqs injury emphasized the need for Al-Hilal to have a national defender.
Why doesnt Al-Hilal include the defender from Khartoum National, Mazen Simbo, who joined the national team from the first division? I havent seen the player, but his inclusion in the national team from the first division confirms his excellence. And Al-Hilal, in fact, needs a defender and national talents. Dont neglect national talents.
The country lost the perpetual ink mark, Yousif Noor Aldaim, a great loss. The Arabic language lost one of its main pillars. Who will put dots above letters after the departure of our father Yousif Noor Aldaim? We ask Allah for his mercy and forgiveness. Yousif Noor Aldaim lost his son a few years ago, setting an example of patience, faith, and certainty. Sudan has lost a great personality that is difficult to replace.
Last Verse: O Allah, have mercy on the one whose character was the Quran.
