Make our country happy: Sudan aims for AFCON success amid ongoing war back home
The conflict in Sudan started in April 2023, and at that time Ammar Taifour was attending a training session with his team Al Merrikh in Khartoum.
"I recall the shock from those initial shots fired. It caught everyone off guard," explains the 28 year old midfielder representing Sudan at the Africa Cup of Nations, speaking to AFP.
"Shortly afterwards, there were frequent blackouts and nonstop gunfire. It felt completely unreal.
"I simply hope for peace and safety for all those affected, wishing them a way through this ordeal."
Taifour, who was born in the US, counts himself fortunate. He expresses gratitude that his relatives in Sudan managed to escape the country.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Al Nour faced the distress of his sibling being captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
"Thankfully, no family members have died, but my brother spent nine months in RSF captivity before gaining freedom," Al Nour shares.
"We have witnessed horror and loss of lives. We only wish for conditions to get better."
Nearly three years on, the battle between Sudan's military and their past partners, the RSF, continues to wreak havoc on civilians.
The United Nations calls it "the world's gravest humanitarian crisis," with tens of thousands dead and 11 million displaced.
Even so, Sudan's squad earned a spot in the current AFCON hosted in Morocco, securing a 1 0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca on Sunday.
This marks only their second triumph in 18 games over six tournaments since claiming the title in 1970.
Their last group match against Burkina Faso comes on Wednesday, with no stress as they have already advanced to the round of 16.
It stands as an impressive feat, especially considering Sudan's off pitch turmoil, since they last reached the knockout phase in 2012 by making the quarter finals.
Great duty
"It feels like a huge privilege," Taifour states. "Yet we carry high hopes, aiming to go deep and perhaps claim the trophy, bringing joy to our nation."
"Naturally, it is a significant duty. We all understand the ongoing crisis intimately, as it touches everyone we know.
"We do all we can to contribute positively and spread some cheer."
Al Nour, often called Abooja, agrees: "The squad has certainly felt the strain. We have pushed through tough times amid the widespread anxiety in Sudan."
"Ultimately, our performances on the field uplift spirits and bring happiness to fans."
The war has severely disrupted Sudanese football, suspending the local league and forcing the top clubs abroad.
Last season, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh from Omdurman competed in Mauritania's league. A top tier domestic competition resumed in July, but the pair now play in Rwanda.
Certain athletes have relocated, like Taifour, who left Al Merrikh for Libya and currently plays in Tunisia.
Under the guidance of Ghanaian manager Kwesi Appiah, the national side has thrived.
They overtook Ghana to qualify and showed promise in World Cup qualifiers, defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo and tying with Senegal to end third in their group.
In August, they advanced to the semi finals of the African Nations Championship for homegrown talent, and recently joined the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar.
"We treated each game as a chance to prepare and strengthen team bonds," Taifour notes.
Al Nour praises Appiah as "a remarkable individual from whom we have gained much knowledge."
This progress culminates in Sudan's current push for a knockout clash this weekend at the Cup of Nations, eager to delight supporters in their homeland.