The countdown to Togo’s opening 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifier has begun, but the country is still waiting for official confirmation of the coaching staff and training camp arrangements.
Togo are due to host Libya in the first leg of the first-round tie in Lome on 28 September. As of 2 September, only 26 days remained before the crucial fixture, yet no formal announcement had been made about who will lead the Togo Under-23 side or when the players will assemble.
There are indications that discussions are taking place behind the scenes, but the situation remains unclear publicly.
That uncertainty does not necessarily mean that no preparations are being made. Talks are reportedly under way between the relevant parties. However, preparing a national team requires more than administrative discussions. A coaching staff must be appointed, a squad selected, a training programme established and a clear timetable agreed.
With less than a month before the first meeting with Libya, time is becoming increasingly important. Togo still have an opportunity to prepare properly, but decisions can no longer be delayed without affecting the team’s readiness.
The issue also has significance beyond the opening qualifier. For several years, Togo’s Under-23 team has been viewed as a pathway to the senior national side. During the previous period under Paulo Duarte, a number of young players gained experience in that environment before going on to join or establish themselves with the senior team.
Samsondin Ouro, Steven Mensah, Kevin Boma, Karim Dermane, Klidjo Thibault and Kevin Denkey are among the players who demonstrate the potential value of that progression.
Togo continues to possess a promising pool of young footballers, both domestically and abroad. Several have attracted attention in recent months and could form the foundations of a competitive Under-23 squad.
Finding those players, however, is only the first step. They must then be brought together, managed effectively and given a coherent sporting plan.
The team will need to be properly prepared for the two-legged contest against Libya. The coaching staff will require sufficient time to assess potential selections, establish a tactical approach, develop understanding between the players and work on the details required for both matches.
Although there are still 26 days until the first leg, some of that period will inevitably be taken up by issuing call-ups, arranging travel and assembling the group.
That leaves key questions requiring urgent answers: who will officially manage the selection, and when will preparations begin?
If negotiations are taking place, the various parties now need to reach an agreement quickly. The Togolese Football Federation, the ministry and the technical authorities must settle on a clear position so the players can begin work in suitable conditions.
Togo may have enough talent to build a strong Under-23 side, and there is still time to prepare for the 28 September fixture. What is currently lacking is certainty.
That clarity is particularly important for a team expected to act as a bridge to the senior Togo national team. The match against Libya will be the first obstacle on the route to the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations, but before focusing on the opposition, Togo must first create the conditions needed to compete.
The date in Lome is approaching, and the preparation now needs to begin officially.