Togo National Football Team. A Chronicle of Woes and Victories

The history of the national football team of Togo is replete with victories as well as defeats. In the face of significant challenges such as the team’s first world cup appearance in 2006, and and still continuing amongst the nations to play football, the team does represent Togo.

History and 2006 World Cup Journey

In terms of senior men’s football, Togo made its FIFA World cup debut in 2006, under the tutelage of coach Stephen Keshi, even though the World Cup was filled with controversy due to differences of opinion over players’ bonuses. Although there were some hopes for success, the team lost all three matches to South Korea, Switzerland, and France and was sent home.

The 2010 Bus Attack and Aftermath

Perhaps the most distressing moment in Togo’s football history came in 2010 during the Africa Cup of Nations when the team’s bus was attacked by assailants while travelling to the tournament. In the course of this attack, three persons from the delegation lost their lives causing that team to quit the event. As a result, the team was suspended from the Africa Cup for a reasonable period, disregarding the fact that the suspension was overturned after a global outcry.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Togo showed a lot of resilience when they managed to reach the quarter-final stage for the first time ever in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013. This also was a proof of the team’s indomitable will to achieve success in spite of the previous challenges that they faced.

Notable Achievements and Comebacks

  • First FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006.
  • Quarter-finalists at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
  • Return of star player Emmanuel Adebayor to the national team after a brief retirement.

The Togo national football team’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing enormous challenges, including the 2010 bus attack and setbacks at major tournaments, the team remains a symbol of hope and pride for Togo. Their story is a testament to their perseverance in the face of adversity.