Togo captain Djené Dakonam is a doubt for the Hawks’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches after suffering an injury while playing for Spanish club Getafe.
The 34-year-old central defender was forced off in the 65th minute of Getafe’s 1-0 victory over Malaga on Sunday, leaving his availability for Togo’s upcoming fixtures uncertain.
Djené is expected to undergo further medical tests to establish the extent of the injury and determine whether he will be able to join the national team for their qualifying campaign.
Togo are due to face Burundi on 25 September before meeting Zambia four days later on 29 September, giving coach Patrice Neveu little time to establish whether his captain will be fit to play.
Neveu was present at the beginning of Togo’s training camp in Lomé on Monday but admitted that he was still waiting for more information about the condition of the experienced defender.
“For now, I’m waiting for Djené to return; he had a problem in his last match. I’ll be speaking to him on the phone soon. I hope all his medical results are positive so he can arrive in the best possible shape.”
Djené’s situation has consequently become one of the main talking points around Togo’s preparations for the qualifiers.
The former Getafe defender remains an important figure for the Hawks, with his experience particularly significant as Togo prepare to begin their campaign against Burundi.
His potential absence would come at a difficult moment for Neveu, who is preparing the team for two qualifying matches within four days.
The first test comes against Burundi on 25 September, before Togo travel into another important fixture against Zambia on 29 September.
For now, however, the immediate focus is on Djené’s medical assessment.
Togo’s first assignment against Burundi will be followed quickly by the meeting with Zambia, leaving limited time between the two matches.
