Togo begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at home against Burundi on Wednesday, with both sides aware of the importance of making a strong start in Group I.
The match will be played at Stade de Kegue in Lome, in a group that also includes Algeria and Zambia. With two highly regarded opponents still to come, victory in this opening fixture would provide valuable early momentum.
Both teams have named their likely line-ups ahead of the meeting.
Togo
Togo manager Patrice Neveu has a full squad available for the Group I opener and can call on Djene Dakonam, whose presence strengthens the defence.
Loic Bessile has also been brought into the group in place of Augustin Drakpe. With his players in good form and no major fitness concerns, Neveu has a full range of options as the Eperviers look to control the game on home soil.
The expected Togo line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Steven Mensah
Defenders: Abdoul Sabourh Bode, Kevin Boma, Djene Dakonam, Pierre Nadjombe
Midfielders: Karim Dermane, Samsondin Ouro, Kodjo Aziangbe
Forwards: Arnaud Komlavi, Kevin Denkey, Mansour Ouro-Tagba
The importance of the fixture has also been underlined by Vincent Bossou, who has warned Togo that they must secure all three points against a Burundi side capable of causing problems.
Burundi
Burundi head coach Patrick Sangwa has selected a 25-man squad for the opening two rounds of qualifying and has no significant absences to contend with.
The 53-year-old coach is expected to retain the attacking structure used in the previous rounds. Burundi will hope that continuity can unsettle Togo’s defence and allow them to compete effectively away from home.
The projected Burundi line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Jonathan Nahimana
Defenders: Claus Niyukuri, Frederic Nsabiyumva, Christophe Nduwarugira, Emanuel Swedi
Midfielders: Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Eldhino Mokono, Cedric Amissi
Forwards: Bienvenue Kanakimana, Jean-Claude Girumugisha, Mohamed Amissi
The opening-day encounter is scheduled to take place shortly, with Togo seeking to use home advantage and Burundi aiming to return from Lome with a positive result.
Pre-match betting odds list Togo as favourites at 1.57. A draw is priced at 3.65, while a Burundi victory is given odds of 6.40.