[Exclusive] Togo Football: Abalo Dosseh – “I’m Not Disappointed”

Tchanilé Tchakala Appointed as New Coach of Togo National Team

After a thorough and “very particular” selection process, Tchanilé Tchakala has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Togo national football team, the Hawks. His appointment was finalized last Monday, following competition with four other candidates, including compatriot Jean Paul Abalo Dosseh. The former Hawks captain was widely tipped to succeed Didier Six after the interview phase.

Jean Paul Abalo expressed no disappointment at missing out on the role, telling Africatopsports on Wednesday, “A six-month contract wouldn’t have interested me anyway.” He also congratulated Tchakala, acknowledging the challenges local coaches face in Togo. “It’s not easy for a local coach to lead the Hawks,” he said, referencing past coaches like Mawuena Kodjovi and Zougbede, “Local coaches don’t work under the same conditions as foreigners. Without a solid contract, a local coach may lack the obligation to deliver results, which can sometimes allow for complacency.”

Despite this, Abalo expressed confidence in Tchakala’s ability to succeed, noting, “Why not? He will rise to the challenge, even though there are key players like Emmanuel Adebayor, Kodjovi Agassa, and Alaixys Romao involved. Now that the choice has been made, we must unite to help Togo qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations.”

Togo is currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and is placed in Group E, alongside Guinea, Ghana, and either Equatorial Guinea or Uganda. The Hawks will be looking to their new coach to guide them through this challenging qualification campaign.