\n
CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) \u2014 When Sudanese player Ammar Taifo first heard gunshots outside his hotel room, he ignored them and went back to sleep. He was scheduled to play a soccer match.<\/p>\n
But hours later, gunfire erupted again and armed groups besieged a hotel in Omdurman, central Sudan, attempting to take control of the area. Taifo, a 28-year-old American-Sudanese midfielder, had no idea that the shooting would begin a brutal war that would claim tens of thousands of lives and displace millions.<\/p>\n
“I could see them holding guns from all the windows of the hotel,” Taifo told The Associated Press at this week’s Africa Cup of Nations. “They were firing at military aircraft. It was completely unexpected.” <\/p>\n
Typho, his teammates, coaches and medical staff were trapped in a hotel for more than two days as food and water supplies ran low. They departed only after the insurgents retreated, and Taifo left his career in Sudan to return to the United States and look for a new team. <\/p>\n
His experience is similar to that of other Sudanese players who were forced to flee the country, leaving their families behind in the war-torn African country while attempting to pursue a football career at the highest level.<\/p>\n
brutal war<\/h2>\n
The Sudanese war Recognized by the United Nations as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis<\/span>. The issue erupted in April 2023, when a power struggle between the military and powerful paramilitary rapid support forces exploded into open fighting, resulting in widespread mass killings, rapes and ethnically motivated violence.<\/p>\nThe conflict is killed over 40,000 people<\/span> But aid groups say the real number could be many times higher, according to U.N. statistics. More than 14 million people have been displaced as disease outbreaks and hunger spread in parts of the country. <\/p>\nHowever, the Sudanese national team, known as Jedian’s Falcons, persevered and qualified for the Africa Cup despite training abroad and playing in all qualifying matches. Sudan also defeated Ghana, disqualifying the African powerhouse from the four-week tournament.<\/p>\n
symbol of hope<\/h2>\n
For many Sudanese, the team is a symbol of hope and unity, and a rare source of joy after the hardships of wartime. Sudanese supporters waved national flags and honked their car horns in celebration ahead of their team’s opening match against Algeria in the Moroccan capital Rabat. Hundreds of people chanted “Sudan!” Then we danced on our way to the stadium and fan zone. <\/p>\n
“The war has destroyed many parts of the country and killed too many innocent people,” national team player Mohamed Abuagra told The Associated Press. “Playing and winning matches brings happiness to the people of our home country. We try to plant small seeds of smiles in them despite the hardships they are enduring.”<\/p>\n
The players themselves have faced many challenges. With the league suspended due to the war, players were forced to play abroad, often in neighboring Libya. <\/p>\n
Sudan’s two biggest clubs, Al Merik and Al Hilal, are participating in the Rwandan league. They previously participated in the Mauritanian championship, which was won by Al Hilal. Last year, the Sudanese Football Association organized what it called the “Elite League”, holding an eight-team competition within a month.<\/p>\n
Abuagra lost his uncle during the war.<\/p>\n
“He was sick, but we couldn’t take him to the hospital because everyone was sick from the fighting,” Abuagra said, fighting back tears. <\/p>\n
Both players said the war has been a driving force for Sudanese players on the field. They bear the weight of the struggles of their compatriots, both at home and abroad, and feel their responsibility to represent Sudan heavier than ever. <\/p>\n
something to celebrate<\/h2>\n
Sudanese support the team because it is an apolitical symbol of the country, political and security risk analyst Thomas O’Donoghue told The Associated Press. It can bring people together and remind them or something worth celebrating, he said.<\/p>\n
“But I don’t think soccer teams alone can push the parties to a conflict toward a cease-fire or mediation,” O’Donoghue said. \u201cThe conflict has been going on for nearly three years and involves many domestic and international stakeholders, many of whom have economic interests in Sudan.\u201d <\/p>\n
Sudan lost their first African Cup match against Algeria, but will aim to advance to the group with good results against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. However, the team was also plagued by injuries, with three forwards, team captain, and one full-back all absent.<\/p>\n
“It’s a difficult situation. Sometimes I don’t feel comfortable talking about it, but I just have to deal with the players available and how I can get the most out of them,” he said after the defeat against Algeria.<\/p>\n
Athletes competing in Morocco have dreams of going as far as possible and lifting trophies.<\/p>\n
“Before each match, I pray for those who have returned to Sudan,” Taifo said. \u201cThey deserve happiness and I want to do my best to bring it to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Sports Writer Ciaran Fahey contributed to this report. <\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
Associated Press on Africa Cup: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/africa-cup-of-nations<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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