Togo – the country, the football
The tropical and sub-Saharan state is little in size. Togo’s territory is only around 57,000 km² and an estimated 6, 700,000 people populate the country.
Togo is located in the west coast of Africa and has Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso as its neighboring countries.
The former French colony, like most African countries, has a long history marked by slavery. Now as an independent nation since 1960, the Togolese republic tries to construct itself around “work, liberty, and homeland”.
Despite having a wide range of ethnic groups and religious faiths, the people of Togo become one when it comes to supporting their national football team, called The Sparrow Hawks (Les Eperviers, in French).
The Togolese soccer team clinched their greatest achievement in 2006 when they qualified for the finals of the World Cup in Germany. But as far as the Africa Cup of Nations is concerned, the country has not been able to impose itself at all.
Six appearances and six exits from the first round of the competition have left Togo with one hope ahead of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola: improving considerably on past performances and going as far as they can.
Togo – the road to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Togo commenced their qualification campaign in Group 11 where only three teams contested for the first two places as Eritrea withdrew themselves and weren’t replaced either.
In four games instead of six, Togo recorded to wins and two victories as they did just enough to keep hold of the second qualifying spot – two points ahead of Swaziland and one point behind Zambia.
In Round 3 of the joint Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, Togo fell in Group A alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Morocco.
With the rule allowing the second and third sides from each group to qualify for the finals of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Togo remained in the right frame.
The Sparrow Hawks experienced mixed results with two wins, two draws, and two defeats in six matches. They couldn’t build on their shocking 3-0 victory over Cameroon during the campaign but they still picked up enough points to finish third and well above the struggling Moroccans.
Togo – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations group stage
They’ve never managed to pass the first round of the continent’s greatest competition. Now, they’ll face the strength of the Ghanaians, the dominance of the Ivoirians, and the trickery of Burkina Faso all in the group stages of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
From Pot 3 during the draws, Togo went in Group B alongside La Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Burkina Faso to complete what is being described as the “Group of Death”.
Match-day One:
The Sparrow Hawks will come up against the Black Stars of Ghana in their opening game of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Togolese’s recent memories against Ghana have been disappointing but their last couple of defeats against the Black Stars came in a friendly match and a friendly tournament respectively.
On January 11th at 18:30 GMT, Togo will play Ghana in a competitive fixture so the need to get a good result will be vital.
Match-day Two:
Playing against Burkina Faso could give Togo fewer troubles. The Sparrow Hawks will play at the Estadio Chimandela in Cabinda on January 15th at 16:00 GMT
Match-day Three:
It will be Didier Drogba against the reigning African best footballer of the year, Emmanuel Adebayor, when Togo clash against La Cote d’Ivoire in their last match of the group stages. The game will come up on January 19th at 16:00 GMT.
Togo – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations squad
Here is Togo's 23-man squad that will feature at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola:
Goalkeepers:
K. Agassa; K. Obilale; B. Tchagouni
Defenders:
S. Akakpo; B. Akimsola; E. Akoto; V. Bossou; K. Eninful; R. Forson; A. Mamah; A. Toure
Midfielders:
K. Amewou; F. Ayite; G. Brenner; S. Gakpe; S. Mani; A. Romao; M. Salifou; Y. Senaya
Attackers:
E. Adabayor; J. Ayite; T. Dossevi; L. Kpatoumbi
Togo – What to expect from the country and their star striker
The Togolese national team will need this extra team effort and potential throughout the Africa Cup of Nations. However, all eyes will be on Emmanuel Adebayor to guide his side to success at the captain of the squad.
Togo have never ever reached the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament but they could make history this time around.
Expect the Sparrow Hawks to give their all in every game regardless of the outcome. Togo really need to learn from their past disappointments and head out of the group stages.
Such an achievement will come at the expense of Ghana, Burkina Faso, or La Côte d’Ivoire and this will give more pride for the Togolese.
Emmanuel Adebayor
The Manchester City striker often comes under criticism for his behaviors on and off the pitch – in England like in his country. Adebayor currently holds the title as the continent’s best footballer.
A good performance from the star striker will not only help his team collectively but it will also serve as an example to a multitude of dreaming kids in Africa to reach the highest level in sports.
Togo – Africa Cup of Nations record
The first time that Togo qualified for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations was in 1972. Between 1998 and 2002, the Sparrow Hawks enjoyed three consecutive appearances but they never managed to pass above Round 1.
2010: Qualified
2006, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1992, 1984, 1972: Round 1
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