The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia has forced more than 11 million people to flee their homes.
Aid workers say it has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis – and Appiah has had to watch some of his players suffer personal tragedies.
“I know how loving the Sudanese people are,” he said, adding that four players lost close family members during the camp.
“It’s a really sad situation, but they try to deal with it. All the players will console and encourage them. It’s not easy.”
“We face all these traumas, but you try to cope.”
Needing just one point from their previous two qualifiers to reach next year’s Afcon finals, Sudan faced Niger in their final match, but lost 4–0.
“It was really a situation we never expected,” Appiah said.
“Whenever such situations arise, you should leave the game behind.
“I never talk about it because it’s past. You learn from it and then move on.”
Appiah’s men made no mistakes in Benghazi at the final hurdle, holding group winners Angola to a 0–0 draw and achieving what many considered an impossible feat.
“After qualifying we went to the Sudanese embassy, and the ambassador said ‘Everyone [in Sudan] Their guns were down, and they were all out in the streets cheerin’, which is not normal because once you get down to the streets, you’re looking around [to see] Is the gun coming,” Appiah said.
“This is something I always tell the players before any match.
“Look at your relatives who are at home, what they are doing, and let’s bring some smiles to their faces.
“Football is one of the keys that can unlock such wars.”