Togo squad nears full strength ahead of crucial Burundi qualifier

Togo’s squad is almost complete ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Burundi on Friday, with captain Djene Dakonam the only player yet to join the group.

All of the players called up by coach Patrice Neveu had assembled by Tuesday lunchtime. Djene Dakonam was expected to arrive later in the evening, completing the squad.

The team will train at 16:00 on Tuesday behind closed doors at Stade de Kegue as preparations continue for the first meeting with the Burundi national team, known as the Hirondelles.

The private session will allow Neveu and his coaching staff to work on their final tactical plans away from public view. They will use the training to refine attacking combinations and set-piece routines before the qualifying campaign begins.

Togo face Burundi on Friday, 25 September at 16:00 GMT in a match that is considered vital to the early standings in Group I.

The Eperviers have not reached the continental finals since 2017 and are determined to begin their latest qualifying campaign with victory in Lome. A positive result would also give them confidence ahead of their next away fixture in Zambia.