Togo coach Kader Cougbadja-Touré has made one change to his starting line-up for the second leg of the first-round U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.
Djankpata Halid comes into the starting XI in place of Fousséni Bilal, who drops out of the team for Tuesday’s encounter at the Martyrs Stadium in Benina.
The two sides go into the decisive fixture level after drawing the first leg last Wednesday, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return match.
With a place in the next round at stake, Cougbadja-Touré has largely kept faith with the side that started the opening encounter.
“It’s all or nothing. That’s the equation facing the Hawks of Togo against the Knights of the Nile.”
The Togo coach is looking for his players to take the initiative from the start as they attempt to secure progress to the second round of the qualifying competition.
Djankpata’s inclusion is the only alteration to the team, with Amedivlo Rayann retaining his place in goal.
The defensive line will feature Koumeyi Fadouloudin, Gbande Espoir, Ouro-Bang’na Rayan and Achiangbon Kossi.
Monglo Isaac, who has been named captain, will also retain his place as Togo look to control the midfield and build attacks against the Libyan side.
Djankpata will join Monglo in the middle of the team, while Djibril Bastou and Wukanya Arsène are also included in the starting line-up.
Younous Yunus and Kozah Essozimna complete the attacking options selected by Cougbadja-Touré.
The Togolese coach has opted for continuity despite the importance of the fixture, with the majority of the players who started the first leg again trusted to deliver a result in Benina.
Amedivlo will be expected to provide security at the back, while Monglo’s leadership could prove important as Togo attempt to navigate a closely contested tie.
Togo’s attacking hopes will also rest on the likes of Djibril Bastou and Kozah Essozimna as they look to find a way through the Libyan defence.
The first-leg draw means neither side has an advantage heading into the return fixture, making Tuesday’s result decisive in determining who advances to the second round.
For Togo, the focus will be on producing a stronger performance from the opening whistle and taking advantage of their opportunities.
Cougbadja-Touré has therefore resisted major changes to his line-up, making just one adjustment as his team prepares for the crucial encounter.
Togo starting XI against Libya
Amedivlo Rayann (goalkeeper), Koumeyi Fadouloudin, Gbande Espoir, Ouro-Bang’na Rayan, Achiangbon Kossi, Monglo Isaac (captain), Djankpata Halid, Djibril Bastou, Wukanya Arsène, Younous Yunus, Kozah Essozimna.
The match will be played at the Martyrs Stadium in Benina, with Togo needing to find a way past Libya to keep their U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes alive.
