Nigeria, Aug. 7 -- Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has admitted that his team is battling significant fitness and psychological challenges at the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) but remains confident of a stronger performance against Nigeria in their next Group D fixture.

Appiah's men were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo in their opening match at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, after taking the lead through forward Musa Hussein in the 29th minute.

Despite showing early promise, Sudan surrendered the advantage late in the game as Congo substitute Carly Ekongo struck a crucial equaliser.

Speaking after the match, the former Ghana national team boss laid bare the realities confronting his team, largely attributing their...