TOGO SWEAT ON SERGE GAKPÉ’S FITNESS AHEAD OF AFCON QUALIFIER AGAINST DJIBOUTI
Togo’s preparations for their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Djibouti have been overshadowed by concerns over Serge Gakpé’s fitness. The Genoa midfielder, who is currently in Djibouti with the national team, has yet to take part in any training sessions since Monday.
Sources close to the team confirm that Gakpé picked up an injury during his Serie A debut last weekend, despite making an immediate impact by scoring in Genoa’s 2-0 win over Chievo Verona. His condition has left the Togolese camp anxious just days before the qualifier.
“I don’t think he’ll be able to play on Friday,” a team official told reporters, casting doubt over Gakpé’s availability.
His absence would be a significant blow to Tom Saintfiet’s side, especially with Emmanuel Adebayor also missing after failing to respond to the coach’s call-up. Meanwhile, injured goalkeeper Kossi Agassa has been replaced by Jean Klomegah of AS Togo Port.
Despite the setbacks, the rest of the Togolese squad is present and training in Djibouti, with a blend of experience and emerging talent ready for Friday’s clash with the Red Sea Sharks.
Full Togo squad in Djibouti:
Goalkeepers:
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Cédric Mensah (SR Colmar, France)
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Djehani N’guissan (Dyto, Togo)
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Jean Klomegah (AS Togo Port, Togo)
Defenders:
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Mamah Gafar (Dacia, Moldova)
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Serge Akakpo (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
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Sadate Ouro-Akoriko (AmaZulu FC, South Africa)
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Mawouna Amevor (Notts County, England)
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Vincent Bossou (Young Africans, Tanzania)
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Djene Dakonam (Alcorcón, Spain)
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Martin Nouwoklo (AS Togo Port, Togo)
Midfielders:
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Alaixys Romao (Olympique de Marseille, France)
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Mathieu Dossevi (Olympiacos, Greece)
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Dove Wome (SuperSport United, South Africa)
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Mani Sapol (Dacia FC, Moldova)
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Floyd Ayité (SC Bastia, France)
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Henritse Eninful (Doxa Katokopias, Cyprus)
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Lalawele Atakora (Helsingborg, Sweden)
Forwards:
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Jonathan Ayité (Alanyaspor, Turkey)
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Serge Gakpé (Genoa FC, Italy)
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Foovi Aguidi (Hearts of Oak, Ghana)
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Camaldine Abraw (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
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Placca Fessou Mèmè (KFC Oosterzonen, Belgium)
Togo will hope to overcome the absences and secure a vital win in Djibouti as they aim to keep their AFCON 2017 qualification hopes alive.
