Sudan: Football and the Forgotten War

In April 2023, civil war broke out in Sudan. It continues to this day leaving in its wake the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.

Despite this, Sudan’s national football team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and tops its World Cup qualification group.

They are a source of hope to a nation left in ruins.

In this special episode of The Athletic FC Documentary we’ll take you into the war torn country where amateur matches continue amid the shelling, and football grounds have become burial grounds.

At a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad, we’ll hear of the horrors of war and how football is helping children there.

And hear how geo political influence, immigration and perilous journeys over land and sea are part of this journey with Sudan, football and a war struggling to be seen and heard.

Credits

Written and presented by Adam Leventhal

Produced by Abi Paterson

Additional reporting in collaboration with Tom Rhodes and Zemenfes Goudos GebreMikael

Featuring footage from beIN Sport, Al Jazeera, British Pathé, Sky News, Fairshot, SuperSport, Sudan FA 

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