Sudan's U-17 Women’s Soccer Team Returns Amid War and Gender Barriers

Sudan’s under-17 women’s team traveled to Casablanca on 8 June 2026 for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers, first international appearance since the 2023 civil war. The school-aged squad lost 17-0 and 13-0 to Comoros, conceding 30 goals.

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

The 2023 clash between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has killed over 40,000 people and displaced more than 14 million, according to the United Nations. The conflict halted all sport, including women’s league created after the 2019 revolution that ended President Omar al-Bashir’s Islamist rule, which barred women’s public activities.

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

Captain Nura Mohamed (17) leads the team. Coach Burhan Tia recruited ten players from Cairo academies and the rest from Sudanese cities, though many lack age-verification documents. Federation women’s-football head Manal Ali Bushra oversees stadium renovations, and scientist Liv Tønnessen notes the team’s symbolic challenge to gender restrictions. Hala Al-Karib calls for federation reform.

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

Match results: 17-0 and 13-0 defeats to Comoros (30 goals conceded). War casualties: >40,000 deaths, >14 million displaced. The squad includes ten Cairo-based players; the remainder lack identification required for international play.

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

Federation officials say fielding a team avoids forfeiture and demonstrates commitment to rebuilding women’s football. Plans include a sports city and stadium upgrades in safe zones, while acknowledging damaged transport and missing paperwork as scouting obstacles.

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

Users posted sexist slurs “go back to the kitchen.” Religious critics cite preacher Abdulhay Yousif’s claim that women’s football undermines faith. Al-Karib argues that lack of investment, not symbolism, is main barrier.

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

The team’s appearance marks a re-entry of Sudanese women into sport, challenging gender norms and offering the military a chance to project normalcy. It also reveals gaps in training, funding and societal support, underscoring the broader fight for gender equity.

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

• “My goal is to lift up soccer in my country,” — Nura Mohamed, Team Captain

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

• “The difference between us and the others is huge. We cannot yet compete at the highest level,” — Burhan Tia, Coach

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

• “Some traveled long distances just to attend training. Many are separated from their families, yet they continue to work hard and pursue their dream,” — Manal Ali Bushra, Federation Official

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

• “So when women step onto a soccer pitch, they are directly confronting that entire logic.” — Liv Tønnessen, Political Scientist

Sudan’s young women return to international soccer as war and taboos linger

Sudan’s under-17 squad will continue its Olympic qualifying campaign later in 2026 while the federation pursues stadium renovations and creation of a women’s league once security permits. Scouting and age-verification efforts aim to expand the talent pool for senior-level competition.

The teenagers in Sudan carry with them the dream of women’s football