Togo and Liberia ready for AFCON qualifier showdown in Lomé
Togo and Liberia will face off on Friday in an important 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Stade de Kégué in Lomé, with both teams eager to make a strong start in their bid for a place in Morocco. Kick-off is set for 4pm UT, as both nations prepare to showcase their evolving strategies and new line-ups.
Togo, under the guidance of new coach Daré Nibombé, is expected to take to the field with a fresh tactical approach.
The Hawks, previously known for a 3-5-2 formation under former coach Paulo Duarte, are likely to switch to a four-man defence for this encounter.
The return of experienced defender Kennedy Boateng, who will slot into the heart of the backline alongside the dependable Djené Dakonam and Loïc Bessilé, is seen as a crucial move for Nibombé.
Youssifou Atte is expected to start at right-back, marking his return to the national team setup.
In midfield, veteran Alaixys Romao is set to reprise his preferred role, forming a midfield trio with Roger Aholou and Karim Dermane.
This combination should provide balance and control in the middle of the park, with Romao’s experience offering a stabilising influence.
Up front, Togo’s attacking options are likely to be spearheaded by a promising Aziangbe-Denkey-Narey trio, as the team looks to build on their attacking potential.
Liberia, meanwhile, comes into the match under coach Mario Marinica with a lineup that also promises solidity and flair.
Abdoulal Koulibaly is expected to start between the posts, providing security at the back.
Kemoh Kamara will lead the defence, with Teclar Dweh and Prince Balde Tarnue expected to feature alongside him to ensure defensive discipline.
In midfield, Liberia will likely rely on the Sangaré-Dorley partnership to control the tempo of the game, while the versatile Terry Sackor is anticipated to be a key attacking threat, given his previous experience against Togo.
Sackor, who knows the Togolese game well, is likely to feature prominently in Liberia’s plans to secure a positive result in Lomé.
Sherriff Kumeh could also play a pivotal role in the Liberian attack.
Both teams are looking to make an early statement in the AFCON qualification campaign.
Togo, who last qualified for the tournament in 2017, are keen to return to Africa’s biggest stage, while Liberia will be aiming to shake off their underdog status and show their readiness to compete against the continent’s elite.
With a combination of tactical adjustments and key players returning to action, the encounter between Togo and Liberia promises to be an exciting affair.
Fans will be eager to see how the teams perform under their respective coaches and whether Togo’s shift to a four-man defence and Liberia’s counter-attacking approach can deliver the goods.
