Despite being mired in a civil war for over a year, Sudan’s national football team continues to shine a light of hope, and the unifying power of the sport was vividly showcased in Juba this week.
There were emotional scenes when Sudan’s national team visited Juba, the capital of South Sudan. This young nation, which fought a bitter conflict with Sudan before gaining its independence in 2011 as part of a 2005 peace deal that ended Africa’s longest civil war, hosted their northern neighbors for a World Cup qualifying match.
On Tuesday, the atmosphere in the stadium transcended old enmities as large portions of the crowd sang Sudan’s national anthem before the game. The match saw the visiting team maintain their unbeaten record in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup (0-3).
“Football brings enormous hope to Sudan,” forward Mo Adam told reporters. “It’s a language in itself, spreading positive energy across the country.”
“During the match, fans from both the north and the south came together to support us. The atmosphere was electric. Both Sudanese and South Sudanese fans welcomed us warmly.”
Sudanese journalist Abdul Musa, who collaborates closely with his country’s football federation, described the anthem’s reception as “an extraordinary moment.”
“This moment underscores the deep emotional connection people felt. Their enduring sense of unity, as if no conflict could truly divide us,” he told BBC.
Although South Sudan achieved independence, it has not been spared from conflict. A civil war erupted in 2013 and lasted until a power-sharing agreement was reached in 2018.
Currently, Sudan is embroiled in its own civil war, which has lasted for the past 14 months. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reports at least 16,650 civilian deaths, and the United Nations estimates around nine million people have been displaced.
Why South Sudan fans joined in singing Sudan’s national anthem
Sudan, captained by Bakhit Khamis (left, in red strip), beat neighbours South Sudan in the first game at the new national stadium in Juba but still won the support of the home crowd. Photo credit: Backpagepix
