Lilian Brassier to make Togo debut against Algeria in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Lilian Brassier has been included in Togo’s squad for their two-match 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Algeria, with the Eintracht Frankfurt defender set to win his first international cap.

The 27-year-old, who was born in France to a Guadeloupean father and a Togolese mother, chose to represent Togo after several months of consideration. His decision is a significant boost for head coach Patrice Neveu, both on the pitch and in his efforts to attract other players to the national team.

Togo’s form means they face the Fennecs under pressure. The Eperviers began their qualifying campaign with victory over Burundi but then lost to Zambia, leaving them with a difficult task against Algeria, who are regarded as favourites in the two fixtures.

Neveu said Brassier’s arrival followed a sustained effort to persuade him.

“It was not easy, and the same is true of other players such as Khaled Narey, who is still considering his options,” he said. “We are paying for the dysfunction that existed long before.”

“Lilian Brassier was one of the first players I contacted when I arrived. The good matches we played during our preparations, and the feedback he received from his team-mates, probably made him think about it. He gave me his agreement.

“For us, it is a valuable addition, but also a strong signal to the other players who are considering joining or are coming to strengthen the national team.”

Brassier came through the academy at Rennes before establishing himself at Brest, where he became one of Ligue 1’s leading centre-backs. His 2024-2025 season at Olympique de Marseille proved more difficult, but he rediscovered his best form at his former club last season.

He moved to Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and has since become a regular starter in the Bundesliga. The left-footed defender is strong in physical contests, comfortable defending on the front foot and capable of progressing play with his distribution. His passing can also break defensive lines, qualities that suit the back three preferred by Neveu.

Brassier could operate as the left-sided centre-back alongside Kevin Boma of RB Salzburg and experienced captain Djene Dakonam, who plays for Getafe.

Togo must now turn that defensive reinforcement into results against Algeria. Avoiding defeat in both games would be difficult, while taking at least one point from the two matches would represent a useful outcome before their remaining fixtures against Zambia and Burundi.

The Eperviers are seeking a place at the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time since 2017. The side led by Emmanuel Adebayor, which reached the quarter-finals of the 2013 tournament, now belongs to the past, but Togo still have promising players including Karim Dermane, Kevin Denkey and Kevin Boma.

With established figures such as Djene Dakonam and Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba also available, Togo hope to rebuild a competitive team. Algeria present a formidable challenge, but Brassier’s decision gives the Eperviers an added reason for optimism.