Neveu demands more from Togo after opening CAN 2027 victory

Togo manager Patrice Neveu says his side must build on their 1-0 win over Burundi when they face Zambia in Ndola on Tuesday in their second qualifying match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eperviers began their campaign with victory in Lome, Karim Dermane scoring after 16 minutes. Neveu believes securing another positive result in Zambia would strengthen Togo’s position in a group led by Algeria, who beat Zambia 3-1 in the opening round.

“We are here with the ambition of getting a result and confirming our success against Burundi,” the French coach told Africafoot. “Taking a point in Ndola would be a good operation because, I repeat, these matches in southern Africa are always complicated.”

Neveu has criticised the short turnaround between the opening fixtures, with Togo travelling to Zambia just four days after their first match.

“The camps began on 21 September and the matches started on 24 or 25 September. That is too little time to prepare properly,” he said. “Then you have to play again four days later.”

Togo left Lome at 23:00 the day after beating Burundi and arrived in Zambia on Sunday morning. Neveu said the Confederation of African Football could have scheduled the first round of matches for 27 or 28 September, followed by the second a week later, given that the international window runs from 21 September to 6 October.

Despite the demanding schedule, he was encouraged by the conditions awaiting his team in Ndola.

“Ndola’s stadium is very good and the pitch is excellent, which is an advantage when you want to play quality football,” Neveu said. “It is at altitude and it is quite warm, but overall the conditions are good. I know southern Africa very well and it is never easy to play there.”

He expects a physical challenge from Zambia, although he also acknowledged their technical ability.

“They are a good team and rely heavily on physical commitment. They also have technical qualities,” he said. “They lost in Algeria but did not deserve to be dismissed against the group’s clear favourites.”

Neveu was satisfied with Togo’s performance against Burundi, particularly after the visitors pressed for an equaliser.

“The most important thing was to start the qualifiers well and take the three points,” he said. “We sometimes lacked efficiency in the penalty area, but when Burundi pushed and we began to suffer physically, the players showed solidarity. A win is always good for confidence.”

Togo will have a full squad available in Ndola. Charles Abi, the Valenciennes forward, has received FIFA clearance and can be included on the match sheet, while there are no injured or suspended players.

Neveu, who took charge in February, is targeting a return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2017. He said Togo are rebuilding, with recent results including wins over Niger and Benin, plus friendly draws against Guinea and Central African Republic.

“Against Burundi, the stadium was full and you could feel the enthusiasm around the national team,” he added.