Togo Prepare for CHAN Qualifier Against Niger
Lomé, Togo – Togo are gearing up for a crucial clash against Niger in the final round of qualifiers for the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition reserved exclusively for players active in domestic leagues.
The Sparrowhawks’ local team, under the guidance of Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, held a training session on Wednesday morning at Lomé’s municipal stadium as preparations intensify ahead of the two-legged tie.
Saintfiet, who took over the reins with the aim of qualifying Togo for their first-ever CHAN finals, faces a daunting task. Domestic football in the country has been on pause since November 2014, leaving players short of competitive action.
Despite the challenge, the technical team is banking on the experience of several players who have featured for the senior national team. Among those called up are Djehani Nguissan, Klomegan Jean Robert, Nouwoklo Kossivi Martin, Agbegniadan Kolman, and Donou Kokou Liassidji.
The first leg of the qualifier is set to take place in Niger between October 16 and 18, with the return leg scheduled for October 23 to 25 in Lomé.
The winner of the tie will book a place in the CHAN 2016 finals, to be held in Rwanda in January.
