Sudan players told to feel like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo by Kwesi Appiah

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia has forced over 11 million people from their homes.

Aid workers say it has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis – and Appiah has had to watch some of his own players suffer personal tragedies.

“I know how loving the Sudanese are. Four players lost their close families whilst in camp,” he said.

“It’s a really sad situation, but they try to cope. All the players will comfort them and encourage them. It’s not been easy.

“We face all these traumas, but you try to cope.”

Needing just a point from their last two qualifiers to reach next year’s Afcon finals, Sudan faced Niger in their penultimate match, only to lose 4-0.

“It was actually a situation that we never, ever expected,” said Appiah.

“Anytime such situations happen, what you need to do is put the game behind you.

“I’ve never spoken about it because it’s passed. You learn from it, and then you forge ahead.”

Appiah’s men made no mistake in Benghazi at the final hurdle, holding group winners Angola to a 0-0 draw and achieving what many thought was an impossible feat.

“After the qualification we went to the Sudanese embassy, and the ambassador said ‘Everybody [in Sudan] had their guns down, and they were all jubilating on the streets’, which is not normal because once you get on the streets, you are looking around [to see] whether the gun is coming,” Appiah said.

“That’s something I always tell the players before any match.

“Look at your relatives, those back home, what they’re going through, and let’s put some smiles on their faces.

“Football is one of the keys that can unlock such wars.”