Don’t underrate my young team, Sudan’s Burhan Tia says

Sudan’s coach, Burhan Tia, on Thursday, said his side should not be underrated at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon

Tia, who took over the team from French Hubert Velud, who was sacked in December, told Cafonline.com that although his team is young, they are very hungry and have a huge desire to perform.

Sudan is placed in Group D alongside Guinea Bissau, Nigeria and Egypt.

The 33rd edition of the AFCON that will feature 24 teams will take place from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6 in Cameroon.

Tia, whose team has been camped in Yaounde, Cameroon and played two friendly matches against Ethiopia (lost 3-2) and Zimbabwe (drew 0-0) made it clear that with the good preparations they have had, the team has what it takes to perform well.

“Our team is young, and we are building for the future.

“The spirit, ambition and motivation will be our strong weapons in the tournament,” the experienced coach who has handled teams in the Sudan Premier League for over 15 years said.

Tia made it clear that although they are placed in a strong group, they are prepared to fight and take their chances to make it to the next round first.

“There is nothing impossible in football. The group might be strong, but with good preparations and concentration we will be able to make it to the knockout stage,” Tia added.

He said that after missing out on the last four editions of AFCON, this is the time that Sudan should send a strong message by playing good football and getting the results.

“We need to prove a point that we have developed and belong to the top group since we have won the AFCON trophy before,”concluded Tia.

Sudan lifted the AFCON trophy in 1970, when they last hosted the continent’s biggest football tournament.

(NAN)