Almost two years on from the start of the civil war, and with the country’s top two domestic clubs now playing in Mauritania, Sudan coach James Kwesi Appiah has got supporters dreaming of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time.

In the nine-month hiatus since the last qualifying fixtures the Sudanese had remarkably booked a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – eliminating four-time continental champions Ghana along the way.

But, returning to their bid to reach the United States, Mexico and Canada, Sudan almost made a disastrous start as goalkeeper Mustafa missed a clearing kick within the first 30 seconds.

However, he managed to recover and scramble the loose ball behind with Boulaye Dia set to pounce and slot into an empty net.

The hosts were not overawed by a side ranked as the second best in Africa, and 96 places above them, and Aboubaker Eisa missed a chance to slot Sudan in front in the 20th minute before Dia sent a header off target.

After the break Sudan midfielder Adbel Raouf tested Edouard Mendy with a low strike before having appeals for a penalty waved away as he challenged the keeper for the rebound.

Mane had sent an overhead kick narrowly wide before the former Liverpool forward was denied twice with 10 minutes remaining.

The West Africans remain unbeaten after five games in Group B but, with only two wins, have work to do to reach a third successive World Cup finals.