Sudan is hoping to cheer up football supporters in the war-torn nation by securing qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), according to midfielder Muataz Hashem.
With just one game left, Sudan will top Group I if they defeat Mauritania on Tuesday.
The Secretary Birds are the home team, but due of the ongoing strife in their nation, they are compelled to train and play in Morocco.
“[It is] very difficult to be far from your country, land and stadium,” Hashem told BBC Sport Africa.
“But we count on determination and persistence, and all my colleagues are aware of this task.”
The 1-0 victory Sudan had over Gabon in their previous qualifier has given them hope for a second straight trip to the Afcon finals.
If Sudan defeats Mauritania on Tuesday, they will take over first place in Group I with one game remaining. Three weeks prior to the national federation suspending all football in the nation due to the conflict, the 1970 champions played that match on March 27 in Omdurman in front of their own supporters.
“We have to forget the circumstances in which my country is living today,” added Hashem.
“We have to focus on football in order to bring joy to the Sudanese people – who need joy to mitigate their suffering and forget their circumstances, even for a few days.”
The present training camp and the match against Mauritania at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir were both chosen with the assistance of Sudan head coach Badou Zaki, who was only appointed in March.
In its new home in North Africa, the team has already participated in a number of warm-up games. Hashem insists that the match versus Mauritania is about more than just what occurs on the field and is a chance to bring all Sudanese together.
“Our victory may help stabilize Sudan,” said the 27-year-old.
“We are counting on the spirit of the group and our goal is to take the name of Sudan high.”
Sudan will qualify for the tournament in Ivory Coast with a victory and a draw in their final two games.
In September, the team will play its final group match on the road against current group leaders, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
