- Tuesday January 24, 2017
- Togo Vs DR Congo – Stade Port Gentil @ 8pm (Local Time) 10pm (EAT)
Togo’s Claude Re Loy will have his Africa Cup of Nations magic on a tough test when his side faces DR Congo at Port Gentil in a fixture that will decide the Sparrow Hawks future in the tournament.
Despite sitting at the base of Group C, Togo still have a chance to reach the quarter finals with maximum points against much fancied Florent Ibenge side.
That would put them on four points, same as DR Congo but a superior head to head would see them through at the expense of the Leopards.
One worry for Le Roy and his side is the mental state of goalkeeper Koffi Agassa whose house back home was vandalized by angry fans following a poor outing against Morocco in which he conceded three times.
“He was really affected when he heard the news,” said LeRoy as quoted by BBC Sport. “Whether he wants to play or not, I will respect his decision,” he added.
He is very upset and it has had an impact on the morale of the whole team, I think it has scarred him too much psychologically. His mum has so far found it difficult to talk about it, it was so stressful and a cause of panic for her. I really doubt he will be able to play a third match.
Togo skipper, Emmanuel Adebayor must rise to the occasion and so must senior players Alaixys Romao and Serge Gakpe.
Meanwhile, DR Congo is minus suspended Joyce Lomalisa Mutambala who was red carded in the previous tie but leading scorer Junior Kabananga, Cedric Bakambu and Diurmerci Mbokani are all available for selection.
The Leopards need a draw to advance to the last eight.
