Tchamba – Fighters de Lomé secured the Togolese national basketball championship, edging out Swallows 49-42 in a tightly contested final held in Tchamba from January 6 to 10.
Swallows captain Lamboni Minto acknowledged the defeat but criticized the refereeing, citing early mistakes that left his team struggling to recover. “Fighters were just a little stronger and more focused. We had a poor start in the first quarter, which made it difficult to come back,” Minto said. He added that while he was not frustrated by the loss, he believed officiating inconsistencies were affecting the quality of basketball in Togo.
Minto also noted challenges within his squad, including limited rotation and adapting to extreme weather conditions. “Most of our players couldn’t cope with the scorching heat. Our team is young, and while winning would have been ideal, this experience is a blessing in disguise,” he added.
The tournament featured seven men’s teams, including four from outside the capital. Teams participating were Kpalimé, Kara, Sokodé, Vogan, and two from Lomé: Swallows and Fighters. The squads were divided into two groups for the preliminary stage. Group A comprised Kaba, Swallows, and Sémassi, while Group B featured New Star de Tchamba, Olympique de Vo, Kpalimé Basket Association, and Fighters de Lomé.
The championship highlighted the growing competitiveness of basketball in Togo, with teams from both the capital and regional towns showcasing emerging talent. Fighters’ triumph underscores their focus and experience, while Swallows’ young squad gained valuable exposure ahead of future tournaments.
