Confusion continues over Togo’s participation

LUANDA - Confusion continued to prevail Sunday as to whether Togo will take part in the Africa Cup of Nations soccer in the wake of a terror attack on the team bus that left three people dead.

While Confederation of African Football (CAF) spokesman Kodzo Samlan was quoted as saying the Togolese players wanted to play, the country’s Prime Minister Gilbert Huongbo has demanded the team return home.

The Cup of Nations kicks off later Sunday with hosts Angola taking on Mali in Luanda while Togo are due to face Ghana on Monday in the troubled province of Cabinda, where Friday’s machine-gun attack by armed rebels took place.

Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor, who on Saturday said that he wanted to go home, told French radio station RMC Sunday that the players had discussed the issue and the majority of them wanted to compete in the tournament.

“We are staying in the same accommodation as Ghana and the Ivory Coast and we discussed it with players from the other sides and we decided that we wanted to stay.

“However, when I spoke to the Head of the State of the country this morning, he told me that the presidential plane was on its way to fetch us.

“The Head of State has called us, so we have to return to Togo.”

The Manchester City striker said that he expected to land in the Togo capital of Lome later Sunday.

Jonathan Ayite, who plays for Nimes in France, said that even though the majority of players wanted to stay and play, it was not really up to them.

“We are willing to represent our country, but we are also willing to listen to our Head of State. At this stage, not a single player has left Angola.”

Earlier Sunday, doctors treating reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who was airlifted to South Africa and underwent an operation on Saturday, said that they were happy with the progress of the 25- year-old.

The head of the trauma unit, Professor Elias Degiannis said that although it was very early on, he was satisfied with the progress.

“He is being kept ventilated and sedated in the trauma intensive care unit where he will remain until such time as we are satisfied with his condition.”

The Pontivy player was one of several people injured when the Togolese team bus came under attack as they were driving to their Cup of Nations base in Cabinda.

The bus driver, as well as the assistant coach Abalo Amnalete and the team’s spokesman Stanislas Ocloo, died during the attack.

Togo have been drawn into Group B together with the Ivory Coast, Mali and Ghana.

The Ghana Football Association meanwhile, has confirmed the Black Stars will be competing in Cabinda after being assured of “total security” in the wake of the terror attack.

“We will be playing the Cup of Nations and have taken such no such decision to withdraw,” said FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi.