Togo must improve their attacking efficiency, defensive concentration and competition for places after a mixed start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, according to former international Sodeke Tidjani.
The Eperviers opened the September international window with a 1-0 victory over Burundi before losing 2-0 to Zambia. In an interview with 228foot, Tidjani said possession alone would not be enough and identified 10 players who could widen coach Patrice Neveu’s options.
Thibault Klidje is one of the attacking profiles under consideration. His pace, movement and ability to beat opponents could give Togo greater threat in the final third. However, his absence from a previous squad and his relationship with the coach would need to be clarified before any return.
Idjessi Metsoko could provide another option as a central striker. His recent playing time and performances would have to be assessed, alongside the circumstances surrounding his own potential recall.
Josue Doke’s versatility could offer a different solution against teams defending deep. Able to operate in several attacking positions, he could add variety, although he still needs to become more effective with his final action and continue developing at club level.
Yawo Agbagno is another forward whose ability to influence play inside the penalty area will be monitored. His recent form would need to be compared with that of the players already selected by Neveu.
At 30, Ismail Ouro-Agoro brings experience from Tala’ea El Gaish in the Egyptian top flight, as well as previous involvement with the Eperviers. His current fitness and playing time will be important considerations, particularly as his recent sporting situation appears less favourable.
Djibril Bastou represents a longer-term possibility. Already called up to the senior side, he has recently joined the Togo U23 group and moved to Yamoussoukro FC in Cote d’Ivoire. His priority is to gain experience and establish himself at club level while remaining under consideration.
Goalkeeper Mensah Ekoue, who plays for ASCK, has impressed in the Togolese championship and has previously appeared on Neveu’s provisional lists. His case also raises questions about the opportunities available to locally based players, with Tidjani insisting that performances should take precedence over established habits.
Kennedy Boateng, a regular in previous squads, has recently been absent. His experience could help a defence requiring greater coordination, but his physical condition and ability to play consistently must first be assessed.
Roger Aholou has 25 caps and one goal for Togo. The defensive midfielder could help the team manage matches more effectively, although his club situation remains central to any decision over a return.
The final name is 23-year-old Denis Abalo, who plays in Libya. Capable of operating as a defensive midfielder, higher up the pitch or centrally, he could give the coaching staff additional flexibility.
Tidjani’s list is intended as a set of possibilities rather than a demand for immediate call-ups. Patrice Neveu must balance continuity with renewal, while Togo improve their ability to turn promising periods into goals, remain focused from the opening whistle and produce consistent results in the next stages of CAN 2027 qualifying.