Togo v Burundi: Probable line-ups for crucial AFCON 2027 qualifier

Togo begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign at home to Burundi on Wednesday, with both sides looking to make a strong start in Group I.

The match will be played at Stade de Kegue in Lome, in a section that also includes Algeria and Zambia. With the four teams involved in a demanding group, victory in this opening fixture could prove important to Togo’s hopes of qualifying.

Africafoot has assessed the likely starting line-ups for the first-round meeting.

Togo

Togo manager Patrice Neveu has a full squad available for the match, with several players arriving in good form.

Djene Dakonam is expected to feature, while Loic Bessile has been integrated into the squad in place of Augustin Drakpe. Neveu therefore has a settled group from which to select as the Eperviers attempt to control the game on home soil.

Vincent Bossou has warned Togo about the challenge posed by Burundi and stressed the importance of taking all three points.

The probable Togo XI is:

Goalkeeper: Steven Mensah

Defenders: Abdoul Sabourh Bode, Kevin Boma, Djene Dakonam, Pierre Nadjombe

Midfielders: Karim Dermane, Samsondin Ouro, Kodjo Aziangbe

Forwards: Arnaud Komlavi, Kevin Denkey, Mansour Ouro-Tagba

Burundi

Burundi manager Patrick Sangwaa has selected a 25-man squad for the opening two rounds of qualification and has no major injury or availability concerns.

The 53-year-old coach could opt for continuity, retaining the attacking system used during the previous rounds. Burundi will hope that approach can unsettle a Togo defence containing Djene Dakonam and give the visitors a positive start to their campaign.

The probable Burundi XI is:

Goalkeeper: Jonathan Nahimana

Defenders: Claus Niyukuri, Frederic Nsabiyumva, Christophe Nduwarugira, Emanuel Swedi

Midfielders: Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Eldhino Mokono, Cedric Amissi

Forwards: Bienvenue Kanakimana, Jean-Claude Girumugisha, Mohamed Amissi

Togo are the clear favourites with 1xbet before kick-off. The home side is priced at 1.57 to win, while a draw is listed at 3.65 and a Burundi victory at 6.40.