Togo’s players were reported in Angola to be ready to fly out and quit the African Nations Cup even though they had earlier appeared about to defy a summons home from their own government after Friday’s terrorist attack on the team bus.
Three people died – the driver, a coach and a media officer – in the attack by separatist guerrillas in the province of Cabinda where Togo are due to face Ghana in their opening game on Monday.
Togo government spokesperson Pascal Bodjona had said: “We can’t continue in these dramatic circumstances in the African Nations Cup. Our players are in shock.”
Mustapha Salifou: Aston Villa's Togolese star / Fotosports.com
The players were not all in agreement, according to radio interviews given by both midfielder Alaixys Romao and forward Thomas Dossevi.
Romao said: “People died for this African Nations Cup, others were injured. We should not abandon them and go like cowards. If we stay here it is for them. But also so as not to satisfy the rebels.” Dossevi added: “Of course we are all heartbroken, it is no longer a party, but we had wanted to show our national colours, our values and that we are men.”
CAF in waiting
The African Football Federation could not confirm or deny the reports. In the meantime CAF president Issa Hayatou obtained assurances from Angola President Jose Eduardo dos Santos that security would be increased for the tournament, which begins today when the hosts play Mali.
After his meeting, Hayatou flew to Cabinda to meet the Togo and Ghana players as well as the Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast teams who make up Group B, accompanied by almost the entire executive members of CAF, the general secretary and the executive director of the competition.
Hayatou said: “We are in a deep shock following the tragic incident that happened to our Togolese brothers and friends. You came here to play football but tragically three of your brothers were killed. I am feeling terribly bad and short of words. It is left to you to decide to stay in a competition synonym of fraternity, brotherhood, friendship and solidarity.
“If you decide to leave the competition, we will definitely understand your decision and it will be accepted. It is a difficult, individual and also collective choice, you are the only one who can decide.”
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