After months of anticipation, David Henen has officially joined the Togolese national team, earning his first international caps during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Despite being sidelined with an injury prior to his call-up, the Sporting Charleroi winger quickly adapted to the national setup and made a notable impression during his debut appearances. Back at his club, Henen shared his reflections on integrating into the Togolese squad and the experience of representing his country.
Henen described his adaptation to the team as smooth and encouraging. “My integration went quite easily. From the very first training sessions, I scored quite a few goals. They were rather surprised because they didn’t know me. Then, after my good performance against Comoros, they encouraged me and told me they were counting on me,” he explained. The winger’s early displays during training sessions and matches quickly earned him the confidence of both the coaching staff and his teammates.
On the pitch, Henen made his debut on November 14, entering as a substitute for Gilles Sunu in the 0-1 defeat against Comoros. He then started in the following match, a 1-1 draw against Kenya, an opportunity that further strengthened his confidence and sense of belonging within the squad. “This confidence from the coach and the team did me a lot of good. They believe in me, and that reassured me,” Henen remarked, highlighting the importance of trust and support in helping him adapt to international football.
Henen’s arrival in the Togolese team comes after months of speculation linking him with a move to the Hawks, which was delayed due to administrative hurdles. The winger expressed relief that these issues have now been resolved, allowing him to focus fully on his international career. “We fought for many months for the paperwork. When it was done, I was surprised to be selected because it’s a group that has been in place for three years,” he said, reflecting on the journey that led to his inclusion in the squad.
The debut of David Henen marks a promising new chapter for both the player and Togo. His ability to adapt quickly, perform effectively in matches, and earn the confidence of his teammates demonstrates his potential to become a key contributor to the national team. Coaches and fans alike have recognized his technical skills, pace, and goal-scoring ability, all of which could prove invaluable in upcoming competitions.
Henen’s entry into international football is also symbolic of a broader effort by the Togolese Football Federation to integrate talented players from European leagues, strengthening the squad ahead of important qualifying campaigns. With his first caps under his belt, Henen now has the opportunity to continue developing, gain further experience, and help Togo achieve its competitive objectives in African football.
