Togo sharpen plans for Burundi clash as Djene Dakonam completes squad

All of the players called up by Patrice Neveu had joined the Togo camp by lunchtime on Tuesday, with captain Djene Dakonam the only absentee. His arrival was expected later in the evening, which would bring the squad together in full before their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins.

The Togo squad will hold a closed training session at Stade de Kegue at 16:00 on Tuesday as Neveu’s coaching staff finalise preparations for the opening Group I fixture.

The private workout is intended to give the team the necessary calm to refine its tactical combinations and work on set-piece routines away from public view. It will be the final opportunity to adjust those details before the match against Burundi.

Togo face Burundi’s Hirondelles on Friday 25 September at 16:00 GMT in Lome. The fixture is regarded as a crucial first step in their attempt to make a strong start to Group I.

The Togolese side have not reached the continental finals since 2017 and are determined to secure victory in front of their home supporters. A positive result would also provide confidence ahead of their next assignment, an away match in Zambia.