Togo must seize control early when it hosts Burundi at Stade de Kegue in the opening round of the CAN 2027 qualifiers, according to coach Jules Koudjodji.
Speaking to 228foot, Koudjodji said the Eperviers would need to impose themselves from the start and prevent the Hirondelles from gaining confidence during the match.
The former coach of Espoir FC, Agaza and AS Binah believes the opening stages could prove decisive. Togo should apply intense pressure in the first minutes, with the aim of creating early chances, scoring quickly and putting Burundi under immediate pressure.
However, that attacking approach must be balanced with defensive discipline. Koudjodji warned that the Eperviers could be exposed if they commit too many players forward and leave spaces for Burundi to exploit on the counter-attack.
He also identified the wide areas as a potential route for Togo to make the difference. The hosts will need to combine attacking intensity with greater efficiency in the final third, while remaining alert whenever possession is lost.
Koudjodji expects the contest to be decided by small details. For Togo, maintaining pressure, making the most of opportunities in the final metres and limiting Burundi’s counter-attacking threat will be central to starting the qualification campaign with victory.
The match will be Togo’s first fixture in the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign and will take place soon at Stade de Kegue.
The betting company 1xbet has listed Togo as the favourite, with a home win priced at 1.57. A draw is valued at 3.65, while a Burundi victory is priced at 6.40.