Abobaker Eisa marked his international debut for Sudan in November 2023.
The nation's presence in the Africa Cup of Nations is hailed as "bringing hope" to its citizens in the midst of a ongoing internal conflict, according to forward Abobaker Eisa.
The country has been grappling with what international bodies call the biggest emergency since April 2023, when a power struggle between the military and a armed faction, the Rapid Support Forces, escalated into widespread fighting.
Reports indicate more than a hundred and fifty thousand individuals have been killed, and over 12 million have been forced to flee from their homes, with severe food shortages and allegations of genocide in the Darfur area.
The war led Sudan to contest each of their qualification games away from home, but they managed to progress to earn their tournament berth for only the fourth time since over four decades ago.
The former champions will face The Algerian team (24 December), Equatorial Guinea (28 December), and Burkina Faso (December 31st) in the first round, and Eisa notes that every game is a "significant occasion" and a welcome distraction for those in Sudan.
"There are many difficulties taking place in Sudan. As players, we know how much of a powerful force football can be to our nation," Eisa commented.
"There's not a lot of smiles at the minute, so we're trying to use football as a way to provide a distraction from [the war].
"Simply making it to the Afcon and knowing fans there to support us – the fact that we're there is already offering a glimmer of hope."
Players Abroad
Eisa, who has been on the books of a several EFL clubs including Grimsby Town, Bradford City and Scunthorpe United, currently plays for Chonburi of Thailand.
Even, his colleagues who are from domestic Sudanese clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh are now based overseas, with the ongoing conflict causing the clubs to relocate initially to Mauritania and subsequently to Rwanda.
A Wellspring of Strength and Difficulty
But even though being away from Sudan, the players' focus are never far from the war, which Eisa says can be both "demoralizing" and a source of "motivation".
"It is challenging to ignore the situation. Several players' loved ones are still there, many people's families have been touched by this," explained Eisa.
"Of course, you discuss [about] the situation, and what can be done, and contributing wherever we can.
"Knowing that we can do something for them, it gives us strength. However, it's tough at times – you can only do so much."
He concluded: "If we step onto the pitch and compete for our nation, I think everyone will be happy."
