Togo Coach Tchakala Names 24-Man Squad Ahead of Crucial CAN Qualifiers Against Uganda
Togo Hawks coach Tchaliné Tchakala has unveiled a 24-player squad for the upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifying matches against Uganda, scheduled for October. The fixtures, part of the third and fourth rounds of Group E qualifiers, are crucial for Togo’s hopes of progressing to the tournament.
The squad announcement reflects several changes as Tchakala aims to address recent underwhelming performances. Notably absent from the roster are Amewou Komla, Mama Gaffar, and Bossou Vincent, who have been dropped due to disappointing displays in earlier matches. In contrast, Djene Dakonam makes a notable return after being without a club during the first two games.
Togo currently sit at the bottom of Group E, with zero points from their opening fixtures. This precarious position means victory in both upcoming matches against Uganda is essential if the Hawks are to remain in contention for CAN qualification.
The Hawks will first travel to Kampala on October 10 to face the Cranes, followed by a home fixture in Lomé four days later. Both matches promise to be tense encounters, with Tchakala emphasizing the need for resilience and tactical discipline from his squad.
The selected players cover a mix of domestic and international talent across all positions. The goalkeeping department includes Agassa Kossi from Reims, Djihani Nguissa of Dyto, and Nouridine Yacoubou from Semassi.
Defensive options feature Akakpo Serge (Horvela), Tawali Magnima (AS Douane), and Sadate Ouro Akoriko (Amazulu FC), among others. Experienced defender Djene Dakonam, currently with AD Alcorcon, returns to bolster the backline.
In midfield, Togo will rely on the creativity and experience of Alaixys Romao (Marseille), Farid Zato (KR Reykjavik), and Floyd Ayité (Bastia). Other midfield selections include Matthieu Dossevi (Olympiakos) and Prince Segbafia (Zorya Lugansk), providing both flair and stability.
Up front, the Hawks will look to their key striker Emmanuel Adebayor, currently with Tottenham, for goals. He is joined by forwards such as Peniel Mlapa (Nuremberg), Serge Gakpé (Nantes), and Jonathan Ayité (Alanyaspor), who offer pace and finishing ability.
Coach Tchakala’s revamped squad reflects a strategic approach to reviving Togo’s campaign, with an emphasis on fresh energy and tactical cohesion. The stakes are high, and the team will need to deliver strong performances to overturn their current standings.
With only two games left in the qualifiers, the Togo Hawks’ CAN ambitions hang in the balance. The upcoming matches against Uganda will be a test of character and determination as they seek to keep their dreams of tournament qualification alive.
