CHAN 2024: Sudan’s dream built on Abdel Raouf’s leadership and passion
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 25.08.25. | 08:20
He remembers the early coaches who encouraged him, and he is especially grateful to two figures who shaped his career
When Sudan booked their place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, one player’s name kept coming up: Abdelrazig Taha Yagoub Omer, popularly known as Abdel Raouf.
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At 32, the midfielder is enjoying some of the best football of his career. He has been the driving force in Sudan’s historic run, winning two Man of the Match awards and even scoring twice in the famous 4–0 win over Nigeria.
But for Raouf, this tournament is about more than personal glory. Back home, Sudan is going through very difficult times, and he sees every game as a chance to bring hope. “The situation in Sudan has made us even more determined,” he explained in an Interview with CAF.
“Our people are suffering, and football has become one of the few sources of joy for them. Every victory brings smiles to their faces, and that alone pushes us to give everything on the pitch.”
Raouf’s football journey began in Port Sudan, where his love for the game grew from local pitches to the professional stage. He remembers the early coaches who encouraged him, and he is especially grateful to two figures who shaped his career.
Florent Ibenge at Al-Hilal and Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, who now leads the national team. “Coach Appiah is more than a coach to us,” Raouf said. “He is like a godfather. He stands by us, motivates us, and genuinely cares for the players. He has brought respect, belief, and unity to this team. Personally, I owe him a lot for guiding me and giving me confidence.”
That belief has powered Sudan through a tough tournament. They finished top of a group that included Senegal, Nigeria, and Congo, some of Africa’s strongest football nations.
“It was an incredible achievement because these teams have rich traditions,” he said. “But our technical staff created brilliant plans, and we executed them with precision. I feel proud to be part of a group that has made history by topping such a difficult group.”
His performance against Nigeria remains a highlight. “It was a historic match,” Raouf recalled. “Nigeria is a great team with a strong reputation. To beat them 4–0 was a big statement for us. Scoring twice made me very proud, but more important than my goals was the team performance. That victory showed the real character of this squad.”
With the domestic league suspended, preparation for international tournaments has not been easy. Yet Raouf believes these challenges have made Sudan stronger.
“Competitive matches are very important for players,” he explained. “But last year the league was organized in a condensed format, which allowed us to stay active and represent Sudan in African competitions. From what I know, the federation is working to restart the league this season, and that will be very important for us.”
As the Falcons of Jediane push towards the final, Raouf is clear about his mission.
“Representing Sudan is about more than football. It is about sacrifice and pride. Hearing our national anthem at major tournaments makes us determined to keep raising our flag on the continental stage. My personal goal is to give my best until the very last match, and as a team our ambition is simple: we want to win the CHAN title. Nothing less.”
