Neveu’s Togo prepare for Burundi and Zambia tests in 2027 Afcon qualifying

Patrice Neveu has selected a 30-player provisional squad as Togo begin preparations for their next two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Burundi and Zambia.

The Eperviers are in Group I and will face Burundi at home before travelling to Zambia four days later. The two fixtures will be significant for Togo’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament.

Neveu’s selection includes four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, eight midfielders and eight forwards. The provisional group is made up of:

Goalkeepers: Mensah Steven, Barcola Malcolm, Achirafou Yaya, Mensah Ekoue.

Defenders: Boateng Kennedy, Nador Steven, Akueson Gustave, Bode Abdoul-Sabourh, Nadjombe Pierre, Boma Kevin, Koudossou Henri, Akakpo Izak, Drakpe Augustin, Atte Youssifou.

Midfielders: Aziangbe Kodjo, Karim Dermane, Aholou Roger, Ouro Samsindin, Fofana Sadik, Sana Faad, Djene Dakonam, Zuberu Sharani.

Forwards: Denkey Kevin, Abi Charles, Laba Kodjo Fodoh, Komlavi Arnaud, Ouro-Tagba Mansour, Annor Yaw, Alidou Farid.

Togo will host Burundi on Friday, 25 September 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 GMT at Stade de Kegue in Lome.

The Eperviers will then travel to Zambia for their second fixture of the international window. That match against the Chipolopolo will take place on Tuesday, 29 September, with kick-off also set for 16:00 GMT.

The back-to-back matches give Togo an opportunity to strengthen their position in Group I, although Neveu’s announcement is a provisional selection rather than a final matchday squad.

The squad contains a balance of experience and younger options across the four positions. Djene Dakonam is included among the midfielders, while the attacking group features Kevin Denkey, Charles Abi and Kodjo Fodoh Laba.

Togo’s opening assignment will be against Burundi in Lome, where they will look to make home advantage count before facing the longer trip to Zambia. The second match will bring the Chipolopolo into the schedule as Togo continue their campaign to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Both matches are scheduled within four days of one another, making the selection and the management of the 30 players important as Togo take on two successive Group I opponents.