African Cup of Nations Group D Preview : Togo

Togo have qualified for seven of the 29 Africa Cup of Nations, with a long history of either not entering, not qualifying, or going out in the first round. Their only qualification for the World Cup was in 2006 when they finished bottom of their group, losing all three matches with preparations being disrupted as the result of a pay dispute between the federation and players. It gets worse – Togo are currently ranked 71st in the FIFA rankings, making them the 16th best team in Africa (ninth amongst those who’ve qualified) and only one place above Scotland. Ouch.

In 2010, Togo qualified for the ACN, the fifth time they’d qualified in seven competitions, a clear sign of improvement. But, in now infamous events, they were attacked by Angolan terrorists and the bus driver, assistant manager and media officer were killed before their eyes.

The Confederation of African Football then made what is probably the most heartlessly bureaucratic decision in football history – because some of the players had expressed a desire to play but the political authorities had ordered them home, Togo were to be banned from the next two tournaments and fined $50,000. The ban was lifted later that year, with Sepp Blatter cast against type as the voice of reason.

However, the financial disputes that disrupted their sole World Cup have continued with Emmanuel Adebayor threatening to return to retirement over his team-mates not receiving promised bonuses.

How Did They Qualify?

Togo lost 2-1 away to Kenya, then won 1-0 at home to progress through the First Round on away goals. The Sparrow Hawks played their first leg away again in the Second Round, drawing 1-1 in Gabon. They then won 2-1 on their own soil, with Adebayor scoring a goal in each leg.

Manager

Togo are led by the fantastically named former French international Didier Six, in his second managerial job, having previously managed Strasbourg.

He took over in November 2011 after failure to qualify for the 2012 tournament. Togo have won four and drawn two of his first 10 games in charge.

Star Men

Emmanuel Adebayor

The skilful centre forward has become a bit of a journeyman, unusual given his clear talent. His physicality and his technical ability are well known to those who follow the English game, as is his temperamental nature. His performances for Spurs have been fairly disappointing this season, but at his best, he’s a joy to watch, one of the best centre forwards in the world.

Serge Gakpé

Gakpé represented France at every junior level from U16 to U21, before choosing to represent Togo. The young forward made 23 appearances in half a season on loan at Standard Liege last season. Having returned to Nantes last summer, he’s played in over half their matches and is the club’s third top scorer, as Nantes currently at the top of Ligue 2 above well-financed Monaco.

Abdoul-Gafar Mamah

The 27-year-old full back has a long history with Togo, having first represented his nation at the African Cup of Nations back in 2002.

The defender has spent a large portion of his career in Moldova, and after a brief spell at Russian side Alania Vladikavkaz, now plays for Dacia Chi?in?u, who have competed in the Europa League in recent years. With 55 appearances, Mamah is the second most capped player selected for the Togo squad.

How Far Can They Go?

Realistically, they face a struggle to get through the group stage. Côte d’Ivoire have a very strong squad while Tunisia and Algeria both look fairly decent. But neither of those two have a stand-out star of the quality of Emmanuel Adebayor.

If the Spurs striker can rise to the challenge of performing for his country and team-mates as passionately as he has in his role as a union rep, there’s the chance that Togo can finally make it through to the second round of a tournament.