Molefi Ntseki's team needs to avoid defeat in Omdurman this evening to secure qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in a game that is essentially a decider following their 1-1 draw with Ghana on Thursday.
Former Sudan coach Stephen Constantine believes it is a blessing in disguise that South Africa have travelled during the Covid-19 pandemic when fans are not allowed into the local stadiums.
"You ask me about how much of a desire they have to qualify for tournaments like the AFCON then let me just tell you that we had 15 000 people coming to watch the national team training," Constantine tells snl24.com/kickoff from Cyprus, where he is now coaching Pafos FC in the top league.
"What does that tell you? They are crazy about their football. If it was under normal situations the stadium would be absolutely packed. They are very into football in Sudan.
"If Sudan has the chance to qualify and they are playing at home, it would be unbelievable. They are amongst the biggest countries in Africa and they love their football so I think qualification would be super for them, just like it would be for South Africa as well. If they could have crowds it would be very difficult for South Africa because the atmosphere would be very hostile.
"However, that problem is not there so it would be about the ability of the South African players against the ability of the Sudanese players on the field. The conditions will remain difficult because of the heat. The Al-Hilal Stadium is a nice facility. It will not be so difficult for South Africa because there is no crowd but if there was a crowd allowed in, then forget it.
"So, advantage South Africa in that regard. For South Africa in this game then yes, it is a blessing in disguise that there will be no fans. I have been to some places in Africa where you think this is unbelievable and in Sudan when the crowd gets going 'oh my God'. It becomes tough," says the Englishman, who guided the Sudan national team for a year.
Group leaders Ghana will host the group's whipping boys Sao Tome and Principe in a match that The Black Stars are expected to win.