As the qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations reach their decisive conclusion, all eyes will be on Cotonou this Sunday, where Benin and Togo face each other in a high-stakes West African derby. While Benin enter this sixth and final matchday in a relatively favorable position, the equation is much clearer—and far more demanding—for Togo: the Sparrowhawks must win if they are to keep their dream of qualifying for Egypt 2019 alive.
In Group D, Algeria have already secured their ticket to the finals, leaving one remaining place to be contested between Benin, Togo, and The Gambia. Benin currently hold the advantage, sitting ahead of their neighbors in the standings, but Togo have no margin for error. Only a victory in the Beninese capital will allow them to overtake the Squirrels and put themselves in a position to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Egypt from June 15 to July 13.
Fully aware of what is at stake, the Togolese national team has approached this decisive fixture with determination and renewed ambition. Under the guidance of experienced French coach Claude Le Roy, the Sparrowhawks know they must deliver a disciplined, focused, and courageous performance away from home. Playing in Cotonou, in front of a hostile crowd, will only add to the difficulty of the task.
To rise to the challenge, Claude Le Roy has decided to rely on experience, notably by recalling Alaixys Romao. The midfielder, who enjoyed an excellent season with Stade de Reims, returns to the national team after a long absence, his last appearance dating back to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. At 35 years old, the former Olympique de Marseille player brings leadership, composure, and tactical intelligence—qualities that could prove crucial in such a tense and decisive encounter.
Speaking ahead of the match, Romao underlined both the difficulty of the task and the belief within the group. He highlighted the youth and quality of the Togolese squad, expressing optimism about the future while remaining fully focused on the immediate objective. “The group is young and has quality. It’s interesting to come back in these conditions,” he explained. “It’s going to be a very difficult match because it’s a qualifying match. If you win, you qualify for the next AFCON. It will be physical, intense, and it’s away from home.”
Romao also stressed the importance of mental strength and collective discipline. According to him, Togo have nothing to lose and everything to gain, a mindset that could work in their favor. “We have to be calm, confident in our qualities, and trust what the coach asks of us,” he said, insisting on the need to stay focused throughout the match to achieve a positive result.
Beyond the sporting challenge, the midfielder did not hide his joy at returning to the Sparrowhawks’ nest. He expressed his happiness at wearing the national colors again and emphasized the role of Togolese supporters, even away from home. “I am happy to be back in the national team. I think the fans are happy too. We need them in Cotonou on Sunday. Their support until the end is very important, and together we can do something great,” Romao declared.
For Togo, the mission is clear: defeat Michel Dussuyer’s Benin side and keep their Africa Cup of Nations dream alive. With qualification on the line and regional pride at stake, this derby promises intensity, emotion, and drama until the final whistle.
