Al-Gharbal: We're ready... and our ambitions against Senegal are limitless.
Mohamed Abdel Rahman, known as "Al-Gharbal," is the striker for the Sudanese national football team and one of its all-time top scorers. He has been wearing the "Falcons of Jediane" jersey for about eight years and currently wears the captain's armband.
He has played a pivotal role in the national team's successes since his debut, contributing to Sudan's return to the Africa Cup of Nations after a long absence. He and the current generation of players reached the knockout stages of the continental tournament for the first time in 13 years.
He progressed through the youth ranks of Al-Hilal SC before joining the first team. After four seasons, he moved to their rivals, Al-Merreikh, where he spent a similar period before embarking on a professional career in 2020 with Algerian club Aïn M'lila. He later returned to his homeland, rejoining his first club, Al-Hilal, and remains with them to this day.
On the eve of Sudan's highly anticipated match against Senegal in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, Al-Gharbal spoke to Al-Riyadiya about the team's preparations and expressed his determination to bring joy to his country's fans.
1- You have a tough match ahead against the Senegalese national team. How have you prepared for it?
We have prepared ourselves well for the match and put in a great deal of effort during training. We are fully prepared, both mentally and physically, to face Senegal. We understand the magnitude of the responsibility and the importance of the match, and we strive to deliver a strong performance worthy of our ambitions.
2- How do you deal with pressure before matches like this?
Experience is key; it's the decisive factor. A football player must learn how to handle all kinds of pressure and transform it into motivation that helps him progress and achieve his goals.
3- Is the pressure on you doubled as one of the team's stars?
Every international player is always under pressure, and as I said, experience is the decisive factor in this regard. Every player must learn how to relieve this pressure or use it positively.
4- Is Sudan capable of surprising the big teams?
I hope we continue our strong run in this tournament. We have great confidence in ourselves and believe in our potential. We went to Morocco to fight and give our all to bring joy to our people, who are waiting for it and deserve it.
5- Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah... what has he added to your experience?
He is a respectable person, a great coach with a distinctive approach. He has added a lot to my experience, and I have learned many things from him. I am happy to be one of his players; it is an honor for me. I thank him for everything he has done and continues to do, and I wish him continued success.
6- Was 2025 your best year in football?
I don't think so. There are many memorable years in which I achieved a lot, both at the club and national team levels. However, this year remains special for me because I participated in several tournaments and achieved good results across all levels.
7- What was the secret to your success with the national team in 2025?
Football is a team sport, and the entire national team shone. Thanks to this, we succeeded in reaching the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for national teams and the Arab Cup, and we delivered outstanding performances. The coaching staff and players are making a commendable effort at all levels, and the results of this work are evident to everyone.
8- Which goal with Sudan is closest to your heart?
Every goal I scored with the national team is close to my heart because it brings joy and happiness to an entire nation. It's an indescribable feeling.
9- Do you aspire to play professionally again outside of Sudanese football?
Honestly, I don't have that feeling. I'm happy at Al-Hilal. I previously had a wonderful professional experience in Algeria, after which I received several offers, some of which came directly through Al-Hilal, but I'm happy with the team.
10- What is your message to the Sudanese fans?
We are here in Morocco to do everything we can to make you happy, and we will always strive to raise Sudan's name high in this great continental tournament. Let's always stand united.