'Make our country happy': Sudan dream of AFCON glory as conflict rages at home

"I just remember the surprise, the shock of the first gunshots. It was very surprising," the 28-year-old midfielder with the Sudan team at the Africa Cup of Nations tells AFP. "Then in the days after that there were power cuts and constant gunshots. It was just unbelievable. "I just pray for peace and for everyone who's in this situation to be safe and make it out." Taifour, who was born in the United States, is among the lucky ones. He says he is "grateful and blessed" that family members in Sudan were able to leave the country.