Patrice Neveu calls for Togo rebuild after mixed CAN 2027 start

Togo manager Patrice Neveu says the national team must improve its attacking play and has called for a wider overhaul of the country’s football system after one win and one defeat in the opening two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.

The Eperviers beat Burundi 1-0 before losing 2-0 away to Zambia. They are third in Group I on three points, behind Zambia on goal difference and leaders Algeria, who have four points. Burundi have one point.

Neveu, appointed in March 2026, has recorded three wins, two draws and one defeat in six matches. He remains confident Togo can qualify but says the team must become more effective in front of goal.

“We are not sufficiently present in the penalty area,” Neveu told Africafoot. “I know why, and I will give the players further instructions so that we can improve in that area.”

Togo began against Burundi in a 4-2-3-1 formation before switching to 3-5-2 late in the match to strengthen the defence. They used a 5-3-2 system against Zambia, but Neveu admitted the team lacked enough threat from the flanks.

He said the choices were based on the players available, particularly with injuries and absences, rather than uncertainty over his tactical approach. Against Algeria, he expects a different attacking plan because Togo will need to defend well while also creating play.

Algeria double-header

Togo will face Algeria twice in November, with the matches potentially decisive in the qualification race. Neveu acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting that Algeria are ranked 29th in the world and have players at major European clubs.

However, he believes Togo can take points through organisation, commitment and hard work. Algeria’s new manager Hemdani has a team that likes to use its wingers, but Neveu said his side would prepare for both matches with the strongest squad available.

“On paper there is a big difference, but football is played on the pitch,” he said. “We must run more than our Algerian opponents and show greater commitment.”

Neveu also warned against losing confidence before the final stages of the group. After the Algeria fixtures, Togo will have important matches against Burundi and Zambia, with the last game against Zambia expected to be particularly significant. He said the team must improve substantially on its performance away to Zambia and would need strong public support.

Several changes to the squad are expected. Neveu hopes Boateng will recover from injury, while Josue Homawoo of Standard de Liege is also being monitored. He also hopes Faad Sana’s situation will be resolved so that Togo can field a complete squad.

The manager expressed concern after the Togo U23 side lost to Libya in the first round of Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifying. He said the squad contained many overseas-based players, while Libya had only one player from abroad, yet the result failed to meet expectations. Neveu believes the U23 team should provide players for the senior side and said he must find solutions.

He also wants to restructure youth football after poor results in Africa Cup of Nations U20, U17 and U23 qualifying over the past decade. Citing Morocco as an example, Neveu said Togo must invest in coach education and high-quality development for young players, with the Federation and Ministry of Sports sharing responsibility.