Sudan continue their resurgence under newly appointed manager Burhaneldin Tia following Tuesday’s goalless draw against emerging side Guinea Bissau in the AFCON group D encounter at the Roumde Adjia Stadium.
Coach Tia’s Sudan side salvaged a point from a game that potentially could have swung either way but for poor finishing from both sets of attacking forwards.
Even when Guinea Bissau had the chance to snatch all three points from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, Sudan’s veteran goalkeeper Ali Abdalla Aboeshren made himself big enough to parry Judilson Gomes’ kick.
Describing his team’s struggles in the recent past and how much work has been done to help the side regain some identity, Tia described it an overhaul and trusting the process with youth.
“We had to raise a new team we effected so many changes, picked our best young players who have been together for years,” said the Sudanese Coach.
Next for the Falcons of Jediane is a date against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who beat Egypt 1-0 in the opening group D game on Tuesday.
Between the sides, they’ve played 14 games, Nigeria have won 8 and the tie has seen two draws. But there’ll be no reason to think that the 3 times African champions will have an easy ride on Saturday, Coach Tia suggested.
“Sudanese football has come of age since the inception of the AFCON we have taken active part in competitions; we have some experience and we think we have done our best.
“It’s normal to lose a game or miss a scoring chance. There are no weak teams in this tournament because there definitely has to be some stiff competition among the teams.”
