Togo’s U23s face race for clarity before Libya qualifier

The Togo U23 team have 26 days to prepare for their 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying first leg against Libya, but the federation has yet to announce who will lead the side or when the squad will assemble.

Togo are due to host Libya in Lome on 28 September, with the countdown beginning on 2 September. Despite the approaching fixture, no official information has been released about the coaching staff responsible for the U23 team or the date of the next training camp.

There are indications that discussions are taking place behind the scenes, but the public position remains unclear.

That does not necessarily mean preparations have not begun. Talks are reportedly under way between the various parties involved. However, preparing a national side requires more than internal meetings. A coaching staff must be appointed, players selected, a training plan established and a firm schedule agreed.

With less than a month before the first leg, time is becoming a decisive factor. Togo still have an opportunity to prepare properly for the tie, but further delays could reduce the time available to build a competitive team.

The issue also has significance beyond the meeting with Libya. For several years, Togo’s U23 side has been viewed as an important pathway to the senior national team, the Eperviers. That approach was particularly evident during the previous period under Paulo Duarte, when several young players were given the chance to work within the setup before later joining or establishing themselves with the senior side.

Samsondin Ouro, Steven Mensah, Kevin Boma, Karim Dermane, Klidjo Thibault and Kevin Denkey are examples of players who illustrate the potential value of that pathway.

Togo still have a promising pool of young talent available at home and abroad. Several players have attracted attention in recent months and could form the foundation of a competitive U23 team. Finding those players, however, is only the first step. They must then be brought together, coached effectively and given a clear sporting project.

The challenge against Libya will require a team that has had time to prepare. The coaching staff will need to assess the available players, establish a playing philosophy, develop understanding within the group and plan for both matches in the tie.

Although 26 days remain before the first leg, some of that period will be taken up by issuing call-ups, arranging travel and assembling the squad. The practical demands of international football mean that the available preparation window is smaller than the calendar suggests.

That makes two questions increasingly urgent: who will officially take charge of Togo’s U23 selection, and when will preparations begin?

If negotiations are taking place, the parties involved now need to bring them to a conclusion. The federation, the ministry and the technical officials must reach a clear position so the players and staff can work in stable conditions.

Togo may have enough talent to build a strong U23 team, and there is still time to prepare for the match on 28 September. What is missing at present is clarity.

For a team intended to serve as a bridge to the Eperviers senior side, that clarity is essential. Libya will be the first obstacle in Togo’s bid to reach the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations, but the immediate priority is to create the conditions required to face them properly.

The fixture in Lome is approaching quickly. Togo now need their preparations to begin officially.