Sudan make quarterfinals for 1st time since 1970

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (AP) — 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."