Togo’s AFCON Qualifier Against Guinea Highlights Broadcasting Challenges Amid “Togo Vision 2030” Ambitions
As Togo strives toward its ambitious “Togo Vision 2030” in an increasingly digital and globalized world, the recent African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea in Morocco exposed serious shortcomings in the country’s sports broadcasting infrastructure.
Despite expectations set by CAF’s official TV schedule, which designated national broadcasters from both countries to air the match on terrestrial frequencies, Togolese viewers were left frustrated. Neither the public broadcaster TVT nor the state-run RTG could provide uninterrupted coverage. RTG, which broadcasts via satellite, cut the feed just as the match kicked off, leaving fans scrambling for updates.
With limited options, Togolese supporters turned to Africa Top Sports, which stepped in as the sole media outlet to provide a live broadcast of the game, reaching an eager and underserved audience hungry for real-time coverage.
Radio Lomé, the only local radio station transmitting the match, offered intermittent updates, but frequent blackouts made it a difficult listen for many. Coverage was further hampered by a stark lack of resources—only a single journalist from Radio Lomé and one journalist with a cameraman from TVT traveled on the government-chartered plane organized by President Faure Gnassingbé, reportedly at the request of star player Emmanuel Adebayor.
Looking ahead to Togo’s upcoming home fixture against Ghana on Wednesday, expectations remain low regarding live television coverage from national stations. However, private and public radio broadcasters are expected to provide coverage for fans. Additionally, Africa Top Sports will continue to serve as a key platform, offering live streaming of the match for Togolese audiences and beyond.
This situation has reignited discussions about the urgent need for improvements in Togo’s sports media infrastructure to keep pace with the nation’s broader digital ambitions and the demands of an engaged fan base eager to support their national team on the continental stage.
