Togo’s Rising Star: Ananie Rachid Agoulou Eyes Breakthrough in U-20 AFCON Qualifiers
As Togo’s U-20 national team prepares for a crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco, all eyes are turning to a promising new face in the squad: Ananie Rachid Agoulou. Although little known among the Togolese sporting public, the young midfielder has been called up for the Eperviers Juniors’ training camp ahead of the decisive May 11 encounter in Lomé.
Agoulou, a product of the prestigious FC Köln academy in Germany, joins the team as one of four expatriate players summoned by head coach Adam Fazazi. The 19-year-old will be closely evaluated during the training sessions, with the hope of earning a spot in the matchday squad for the second and penultimate round of qualifiers.
Agoulou’s inclusion comes as Togo aims to build a technically gifted and physically balanced squad capable of progressing in the competition. Described by those familiar with his game as a composed and intelligent midfielder, Agoulou brings a combination of athleticism, sharp ball control, and tactical awareness to the table. His ability to read the game, distribute under pressure, and carry the ball through the midfield could be key assets as the Junior Sparrowhawks seek to overcome a strong Moroccan side.
Standing out in a field that includes talents like Placca Fessou (Servette Geneva), Koutob Claude (FC Sapin, Gabon), and Fini Patrick (NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands), Agoulou is determined to seize this opportunity. His selection reflects the growing trend of tapping into the Togolese diaspora for talent development—an approach that has already yielded success at senior and youth levels.
The coaching staff, led by Fazazi, will finalize the list of 23 players from the current group of 28 in camp. Training is currently underway at a local hotel, where the team is undergoing tactical drills, physical preparation, and video analysis in the lead-up to the Sunday fixture. The final squad will be announced shortly before the match at Lomé’s Municipal Stadium, which is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. Universal Time.
For Agoulou, the coming days represent more than just a call-up; they offer a chance to mark the beginning of a potentially influential international career. Should he break into the squad and perform against Morocco, the Cologne-based midfielder could establish himself as a key figure in Togo’s long-term footballing plans.
As anticipation builds across the nation, supporters and scouts alike will be watching closely to see if Ananie Rachid Agoulou can turn promise into performance and help the Eperviers Juniors take a decisive step toward the African Cup of Nations.
