When Sudan stormed into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, one name kept coming up; Abdelrazig Taha Yagoub Omer, affectionately known as Abdel Raouf.
The midfield maestro has been central to the Falcons of Jediane’s historic run, producing commanding performances and earning two TotalEnergies Man of the Match awards.
At 32, Raouf is not only playing some of the best football of his career, but he is also carrying the pride of a nation facing difficult times at home.
In this exclusive interview with CAFonline.com, he speaks candidly about Sudan’s ambitions, his gratitude to coach Kwesi Appiah — whom he describes as a father figure — and why this CHAN tournament means more than just football to the Sudanese people.
CAFonline.com: Sudan has impressed many with its performances so far. How do you assess your campaign?
Abdelrazig: We’ve performed exceptionally well in the first phase of the tournament, showing consistency and high levels of performance. It’s all thanks to the work we’ve put in as a united group. Our focus now is to keep building on this momentum in the next stage to raise the name of Sudan even higher at this major continental event.
You finished top of a group that included Senegal, Nigeria, and Congo. How significant was that?
Abdelrazig: It was an incredible achievement. These are some of the strongest teams in African football, with rich traditions. But our technical staff created brilliant plans, and we players executed them with precision. I feel proud to be part of this group that has made history by topping such a difficult group.
You’ve been one of Sudan’s standout performers, even winning two Man of the Match awards. What’s the secret behind your form?
Abdelrazig: The secret is simple — teamwork. If I shine, it’s because of the support of my teammates and the guidance of the technical staff. Everyone in this squad is working towards one goal: to lift Sudan high on the African stage.
How important are the Man of the Match awards to you personally?
Abdelrazig: They mean a lot to me. But I don’t see them as individual awards — they reflect the effort of the whole group. In football, no one achieves anything alone. I owe these recognitions to my teammates and the coaches.
Tell us about your early football journey. How did it begin?
Abdelrazig: My real journey started in Port Sudan, my hometown. Football was my passion from the start, and I was lucky to train under good coaches who encouraged me. Coach Kwesi Appiah and Florent Ibenge at Al-Hilal have had huge roles in shaping my career. After God Almighty, I owe them for guiding me to this level.
You’ve described coach Kwesi Appiah as a father figure. Can you explain?
Abdelrazig: Coach Appiah is more than a coach — he’s like a godfather to us. He always stands by us, motivates us, and genuinely cares for the players. He has brought respect, belief, and unity to this team. Personally, I’m very thankful to him for all he has given me and the group.
That famous 4-0 victory over Nigeria, where you scored twice — how special was it?
Abdelrazig: It was a historic match. Nigeria is a great team with a strong reputation. To beat them 4-0 was a big statement for us. Scoring twice in such a game made me very proud, but more important than my goals was the team’s performance.
Sudan is going through a very difficult time off the pitch. How does that affect your motivation?
Abdelrazig: The situation back home has made us even more determined. Our people are going through a lot, and football has become one of the few sources of joy. Every victory brings smiles to Sudanese faces, and that alone pushes us to give everything on the pitch.
With the domestic league suspended, how does that affect your preparation for continental tournaments like CHAN?
Abdelrazig: It has a huge impact because competitive matches are important for players. Thankfully, last year the league was organized in a condensed format, which allowed us to keep Sudan represented in African competitions. From what I know, the Sudanese FA is working to restart the league this season, which will be very important for us.
What has been the reaction from fans and your family to Sudan’s run in CHAN?
Abdelrazig: Everyone is very proud. From our World Cup qualifiers to AFCON qualification and now CHAN, we’ve shown resilience. Topping Group D in Zanzibar has made our people hopeful again. It motivates us to aim even higher in the knockout stages.
What does it mean to you personally to lead Sudan in these circumstances?
Abdelrazig: It’s a huge responsibility and a great honour. Representing Sudan is about more than football — it’s about sacrifice and pride. Hearing our national anthem at major tournaments makes us determined to keep raising our flag on the continental stage.
How do you see the role of CHAN in African football?
Abdelrazig: CHAN is an amazing platform. It gives local players the opportunity to shine, showcase their talent, and even attract attention from bigger African and European clubs. Many players use CHAN as a springboard for their careers, and I think that’s why this tournament is so important.
What’s your message to young players in Sudan and across Africa?
Abdelrazig: I would tell them to take CHAN seriously. It’s a golden opportunity for those playing in local leagues, especially in clubs that don’t compete regularly in CAF interclub competitions. Work hard, stay disciplined, and use this stage to build your professional careers.
Finally, what are your personal and team ambitions for this tournament?
Abdelrazig: Personally, my goal is to give my best in every match until the final. As a team, our ambition is clear, we want to win the CHAN title. Nothing less.
