Togo’s National Team List Publishes Amid Continued Media Frustration
For his first official match as coach of the Togo national team, Tchanilé Tchakala has been unable to break with a frustrating tradition that continues to dog the Sparrowhawks — the public announcement of the squad list without a proper press conference.
Initially expected to be unveiled at a media event, Togo’s 23-man roster was instead released via Togolese television, while other nations participating in the qualifiers opted for formal press briefings. This ongoing practice hampers detailed assessments of player fitness and denies the media and fans direct access to the coaching staff.
Tchakala had previously indicated plans to hold a press conference, originally scheduled for last Tuesday but postponed multiple times due to administrative delays and ongoing meetings between the team’s management, the Togolese Ministry of Sports, and the Football Federation.
Ahead of crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Ghana on 5 and 10 September respectively, the squad features a number of new additions. Notably, Matthieu Dossevi, who recently transferred from Valenciennes to Olympiacos Piraeus, will join the team. Young talents Atakora Lalawelé and Farid Zato also feature prominently, reflecting the coach’s faith in emerging players.
A notable omission from the squad is Djene Dakonam, the surprise standout of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. The former Etoile Filante defender is currently exploring opportunities in Spain as the transfer window closes.
Fans and sporting observers now hope that by October’s qualifiers against Uganda, Tchanilé Tchakala will move past the so-called “Indian sway” — the practice of withholding squad announcements from the press — and restore transparency with a proper press briefing.
