Iraq Ready to Clash with Sudan: World Cup Dreams Drive a Gritty Arab Cup Showdown
5 December 2025
Preview: Iraq face a tough Sudan test in the Arab Cup
The Dutch-based assistant coach Rene Molinstein says the upcoming match against Sudan will be tough and significant for the Iraq national team, following their 2-1 win over Bahrain in the group stage.
He noted that Iraq played well versus Bahrain and aims for a positive result against a Sudan side that showed its quality by drawing with Algeria, signaling a strong challenge ahead.
The encounter is expected to be a battle of physical duels with little space for either side, underscoring the need for solid defensive organization and vigilance against Sudan’s counterattacks.
The Iraqi squad will rotate players due to a congested schedule, giving opportunities to new faces while preparing for a crucial clash with Algeria in three days’ time at the end of the group phase.
The team’s forward, Ayman Hussein, expressed pride in participating in the Arab Cup, stressing the tournament’s importance and Iraq’s historic hunger to win the title and secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Hussein also spoke about the benefits of squad diversification and the fans’ unwavering support, noting that no match is easy in this competition and that the road to glory remains challenging but within reach.
Notes of ambition surround Iraq
On the Sudan side, Kwasi Appiah, the Ghanaian head coach, warned that facing Iraq means facing a big, capable team and demanded serious preparation from his staff and players.
Appiah pointed out difficulties in squad selection due to the absence of a regular league in Sudan, with most choices drawn from the country’s two major clubs, Al Hilal and Al Merreikh, given their higher level of continental exposure.
Johnny Manu, a Sudanese player, stressed readiness for any scenario in the forthcoming match and expressed a clear ambition to secure a positive outcome to boost the team’s standing in the competition.
Punchline 1: If defense were a currency, Iraq’s backline would be printing money—one clean sheet at a time.
Punchline 2: Sudan better bring a map to find the back of Iraq’s net, because the defense looks like a fortress with an excellent tour guide.
