Togo secured a comfortable victory over Djibouti in the first round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, booking their place in the next phase of the competition.
Despite the convincing win, head coach Kaï Tomety has urged her players to refine their tactical approach ahead of the crucial second round.
Tomety highlights areas for improvement
Following the return leg on Wednesday, Tomety expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance but acknowledged the need for further refinement in key aspects of their play.
“I am very satisfied with the content of the game and the result,” she said. “But tactically, there are still some mistakes. The players need to improve their timing when making passes—whether penetration passes or lateral passes. These are areas we will work on to enhance our game.”
While the victory was decisive, Tomety remains focused on preparing her squad for the tougher challenges that lie ahead.
She emphasized the importance of addressing these tactical inefficiencies before facing stronger opponents in the next stage of the qualifiers.
New players introduced, but bigger tests await
The double-header against Djibouti provided an opportunity to integrate fresh talent into the squad.
Among the debutants was goalkeeper Adjo Sophie Hatto, who had a relatively quiet outing due to Djibouti’s lack of attacking threat.
Tomety acknowledged that Hatto’s real test is yet to come, as future opponents are expected to pose greater challenges.
“We will work on a national level, organizing friendly matches locally and taking advantage of FIFA international match windows,” she explained. “We will continue to assess the goalkeeper because we know the next teams we face will not make it as easy for her. She has experience playing in a competitive league, and we are aware of her strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to keep improving her abilities so she is fully prepared.”
Looking ahead to the second round
With their spot in the next phase secured, Togo will now turn their attention to their upcoming opponent, which will present a tougher challenge than Djibouti.
The coaching staff is keen on fine-tuning the team’s tactical discipline, ensuring the players are well-prepared to compete at a higher level.
Tomety’s commitment to refining her squad’s playing style signals a clear ambition: not just to compete, but to secure a place in the 2026 Women’s AFCON in Morocco.
With rigorous preparations ahead, Togo will be looking to build on their recent success and continue their push towards continental qualification.
