AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Adebayor Absent but Sends Message of Support to Togo Squad
Tottenham Hotspur forward Emmanuel Adebayor will be a notable absentee when Togo face Djibouti this Friday in their second match of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Togolese captain, who scored the decisive goal in his nation’s 2–1 victory over Liberia in June, has opted out of the trip as he focuses on resolving his club future. Despite not reporting for international duty, Adebayor has expressed unwavering support for his national team.
Taking to social media, the 31-year-old striker shared a message of encouragement for his teammates ahead of the encounter in Djibouti City, where the game is expected to be played in sweltering heat, nearing 40°C.
“It’s match day for my guys in Djibouti. Unfortunately, I won’t be there physically, but I’ll be with you mentally,” Adebayor posted on Facebook. “We have good players. Now the goal is to play together and be solid. Let’s take these three points.”
The former Arsenal and Manchester City striker remains a key figure for Togo’s national team, known as the Sparrow Hawks, even in absentia. His late winner in the opening fixture was vital in giving Tom Saintfiet’s side a strong start in Group A.
However, Togo will be without several other key players as well, including goalkeeper Kossi Agassa and winger Serge Gakpé, both sidelined through injury. Despite the absences, the team is considered favourites against Djibouti, who suffered a heavy 8–1 defeat to Tunisia in their opening match.
The home side, nicknamed the Red Sea Sharks, are eager to restore pride in front of a home crowd and will hope the searing conditions in Djibouti may play in their favour.
Victory for Togo would temporarily move them to the top of Group A, pending the result of the Tunisia–Liberia match.
