Sudan head coach Tia happy despite AFCON 2021 exit

CECAFA representatives Sudan have failed to progress to the knock out stage at the on-going TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 in Cameroon.

The Jediane Falcons lost their last Group D match 1-0 to seven time AFCON winners Egypt in a match played yesterday at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.

Mohamed Abdelmoneim El Sayed netted for Egypt after 10 minutes to ensure the Pharaohs qualified for the knock out stage, while the Sudan team prepare to travel back home.

Although the Sudan team finished with only one point after their draw with Guinea Bissau, the head coach Burhan Tia says it has been a very good ground for exposure for his young team.

“We had several young players in the team and coming to play in this big stage of African football is a good step for them. Remember we are now in the building process because there are players who we are now trying to phase out and bring in new young players,” added Tia.

The coach made it clear that with time the fruits of hard work will be evident in this young Sudan team. “Playing at the AFCON has motivated our young players and they will never be the same,” added Tia.

Ethiopia, the other CECAFA representatives also exited the tournament after picking only one draw against Burkina Faso.

Group D table standing

                     P    W     D      L      GF  GA   GD  Pts

Nigeria         3     3      0      0        6      1      5      9

Egypt           3     2      0      1        2      1      1      6

Sudan           3     0      1      2        1      4     -3     1

G. Bissau     3     0      1      0        0       3    -3     1