Sudan make quarterfinals for 1st time since 1970

By Mark Walsh

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, Jan. 31 2012 4:35 a.m. MST

Sudan's coach Mohamed Abdallah directs his team against Burkina Faso during the African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match in Bata Stadium in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012.

Ariel Schalit, Associated Press

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Summary

Reaching the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals with an entirely home-based squad is Sudan's brightest footballing moment in more than 40 years.

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Reaching the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals with an entirely home-based squad is Sudan's brightest footballing moment in more than 40 years.

Sudan beat Burkina Faso 2-1 on Monday to climb above Angola and snatch a last-eight place with cup favorite Ivory Coast from Group B.

The result not only advanced Sudan, it was also its first victory in the finals since 1970, ending a winless streak of nine matches over three tournaments.

Coach Mohamed Abdallah says the success was sparked by defeat in the opening match, when Sudan lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast but showed it could compete with the best in Africa.

Abdallah says, "We lost the game but gained confidence."

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