SUDAN is currently caught in a fierce civil war, yet football endures, showcasing a sense of humanity amid significant hardship.

Although football is certainly not without its flaws, history has shown that it can motivate people and foster moments of dignity amidst destruction.

2

Many remember the match on Christmas Day 1914 during a temporary truce between German and British troops.

On another occasion, footballs were supplied to our soldiers as they advanced toward enemy positions.

Women played a role in the war effort by forming football teams in several munition factories.

However, the FA soon prohibited women’s official football for half a century, deeming it undignified.

This may have been true, but it appears that the enormous crowds, including 50,000 in Preston, disturbed officials.

Football is only “war” in the exaggerated fantasies of inebriated fans, deluded individuals, or utter fools, and thankfully, it has only once played a significant role in instigating conflict.

This incident occurred after a 1969 World Cup qualifier between El Salvador and Honduras, whose governments were already at odds as neighboring nations in Central America.

The violence lasted only four days but resulted in over 2,000 fatalities and saw three El Salvadorian aircraft shot down.

Using war as a backdrop is somewhat commonplace, but in Sudan, it represents a critical matter of survival.

Around 150,000 lives have been lost, and 14 million people have been displaced. Football stadiums in the capital, Khartoum, have transformed into venues for mourning.

2

Currently, Sudan has had to host its home matches in five different neighboring African nations.

Head coach James Kwesi Appiah reflects, “Often, while in camp, we hear news of a player losing a family member. This has happened approximately five times.

“Why can’t we all unite to support these players so that at least those back home can experience happiness?”

Appiah, a former captain and coach of Ghana, has effectively led Sudan to the Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to take place in Morocco next year, bringing them closer to the 2026 World Cup.

This accomplishment is extraordinary. In the midst of the chaos in Sudan, it serves as a symbol of hope.

When conflict escalates into fanaticism, the consequences can be remarkable.

In Afghanistan, the male-dominated Taliban has prohibited women’s sports, and around the world, this violation has mostly been tolerated.

No sanctions have been imposed, allowing the nation’s men—who may not excel in football but are skilled in cricket—to continue without challenge or shame.

Neither war nor pestilence can suppress a good team.

Why should they? In such circumstances, only men are deemed important.

A few women have managed to overcome this oppression.

The Afghan cricket team sought asylum in Australia, where the cricket authority took a stand by refusing to play men’s matches against the rogue nation.

The International Cricket Council has remained silent, and instead of boycotting, Afghanistan’s men’s team continues to thrive.

This same resilience can be seen in the Ukrainian Premier League, which resists the Russian invasion and has recently obtained a new television contract. The 16-team league has only been paused due to Covid.

Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv have consistently been at the top since the league was established after the country split from Russia.

Indeed, after the invasion, Shakhtar relocated from Donetsk to Kyiv, where they, along with Dynamo and Metalist 1925, play at the 70,500-capacity Olympic stadium.

This illustrates that neither war nor pestilence can stifle a capable team.