Ex Newcastle man Clark warns Africans not to underestimate Sudan at AFCON

Ex Newcastle player and former Birmingham City coach Lee Clark has warned that Sudan should not be underestimated at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, adding that the Falcons of Jediane enjoy the underdog tag.

Sudan make a comeback to the competition since 2012 and they have been drawn in Group D alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and Guinea-Bissau.

Clark, who once managed Sudanese club Al Merrikh, believes Sudan will make an impact in Cameroon.

“Sudanese football is on the up,” Clark said as quoted by BBC Sport Africa.

“I had a big group of players who were playing a big part in that [national team], so the standard was good, the players were so respectful – very, very hard-working, listened to every word you said.

“I was at the qualification game against South Africa when everyone had Sudan as the underdog, and there they played terrifically well that night, and fully deserved the win to qualify.

“I think they enjoy the underdog tag, I think they enjoy the experience. They have some very, very talented players – underestimate them at your peril.”

On Sudan being drawn against Nigeria, Egypt, and Guinea-Bissau, Clark said: “I think they’ll be excited by coming up against these countries, and they’ll not worry about the challenge.

“They’ll see it as a great opportunity for them as a country to put themselves on the map and to try and upset the big guys.”

Sudan will be making their third AFCON appearance and will open against Guinea-Bissau on January 11 before facing Nigeria and Egypt on the 15 and 19, respectively.