It ends in tears in Sudan

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Sudan celebrated in tears at the final whistle after beating Bafana Bafana in Khartoum and to a spot at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The 1970 Africa champions ended a ten-year wait for AFCON qualification at South Africa's expense by denying Molefi Ntseki's side the point they needed for Cameroon 2022.

A nation that has been brought down to its knees by civil wars, sectarian violence and inter-border military conflicts overcame some of their hurt and anguish with their football side restoring pride and happiness.

In the build-up to the game at the Al-Hilal Stadium, nearly 15 000 people attended their training sessions to show support for one of their most important fixtures in recent times.

While fans were unable to attend the game, where a usually hostile atmosphere is created, the motivation instilled last week before Sunday's clash was evident.

It took less than five minutes for them to find the lead when Saifeldin Bakhit skinned Bafana captain Thulani Hlatswayo and beat Ronwen Williams at the near post and Al Hilal star Mohamed Abdel Raman double after 31 minutes.

With a squad comprised of mainly domestic-based players that failed to complete last season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it proved an incredible feat for head coach Hubert Velud and the Falcons of Jediane.