Togo striker Kevin Denkey says he is confident the Hawks will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare to open their campaign against Burundi on Friday.
The 25-year-old forward says victory in their opening qualifier at home will be crucial to Togo’s hopes of reaching the tournament.
“I’m certain we’ll go to the AFCON now. It will also depend on this match against Burundi, which we’re preparing very well for. It’s a match we have to win; we know how important it is. We’re going to do everything we can to win; we’re going to win this match here at home right from the start.”
Togo have been preparing at the Stade de Kégué ahead of their first match in the qualifying campaign, with the squad aware of the importance of making a positive start.
Denkey believes the team must turn their preparations into a victory when they face Burundi on home soil.
The striker also acknowledged the expectations surrounding the national team, particularly with the match being played in front of home supporters.
“Playing here at home puts a lot of pressure on the new players who don’t know what to expect. I think it’s a good kind of pressure. We know it’s an important match, really anticipated here in the country. So we’re prepared, we’re doing everything we can to be at 100%, even 200%.”
The comments underline the determination within the Togo camp as the team prepares to begin its journey towards the 2027 tournament.
Denkey says the pressure surrounding the match can provide motivation rather than become a distraction, particularly for players who are experiencing the atmosphere of a major home international for the first time.
The Hawks will be hoping to use home advantage when they take on Burundi at the Kégué Stadium.
The match is scheduled for Friday, 25 September 2026, with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.
For Togo, the fixture represents the first step in their attempt to secure a place at the next Africa Cup of Nations.
Denkey’s confidence comes with the team preparing for a match he considers essential to their qualifying ambitions.
The forward says the squad has been working hard in training and is determined to deliver a result in front of its supporters.
With the campaign about to begin, Togo will now look to turn that confidence into a strong opening result against Burundi and establish early momentum in their qualification bid.
