The tension is rising ahead of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Togo and Guinea, scheduled for September 28, 2014, in Lomé. What was initially a footballing contest has turned into a media war between the two national team coaches: Hamidou Camara (Guinea) and Kegbalo Kodjovi (Togo).
⚔️ Accusations Fly Over Player Ages
After Guinea’s 1-0 win in the first leg held in Morocco, Hamidou Camara raised doubts about the age eligibility of the Togolese players:
“If you look at the Togolese team, it’s a team in which they took some tough guys to play against us…”
🎙 Kegbalo Kodjovi’s Retort
Togo’s coach fired back quickly:
“He says we played with strapping guys, while we played against old guys. It’s true our players have the height, but their players are old and short. You’ll see them on Sunday.”
The war of words only adds fuel to what is shaping up to be an intense return leg at Stade Municipal de Lomé, where Togo must overcome a 1-0 deficit to qualify for the final round of the U-17 AFCON qualifiers for Niger 2015.
🔜 What’s at Stake?
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Guinea: Looking to defend their lead and secure a place in the next round.
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Togo: Hoping home advantage and motivation will overturn the first-leg loss.
This match has become about more than just football—it’s a matter of pride, credibility, and national honor.
