Togolese players to watch in the upcoming European matches

The pillars of the national team

Djené Dakonam, the captain, is the cornerstone of the Togolese defense, having built a solid career in La Liga. Kennedy Boateng partners him in this defensive duo and has proven his ability to advance the ball from the back. This defensive pair has been the foundation of the Togolese team for several years.

Kevin Denkey represents Togo's main offensive threat. He set a standard in Belgium after winning the Golden Boot in 2023/2024. Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba completes this attacking trio, bringing his scoring ability and experience. The performances of these two players will significantly influence the team's results in September.

The midfield is the most adaptable area of the squad. Alaixys Romao previously controlled this position but has made way for younger players. The coach is striving to find a balance between defensive and offensive play. This is the area that has seen the most recent changes.

Key European fixtures to watch

The group stage of the UEFA Champions League will take place over eight matchdays, from September 8, 2026, to January 27, 2027. Matchdays one and two occur on either side of the African international window. The table below outlines the dates set by the European governing body.

Matchday	Dates	Reference for selections
Matchday 1	September 8, 9, and 10, 2026	Before the African window
Matchday 2	October 13 and 14, 2026	After the September break
Matchday 3	October 20 and 21, 2026	Return to weekly rhythm
Matchday 4	November 3 and 4, 2026	Just before the November window

This rotation illustrates the measures taken by clubs on the continent. Calling a player to participate in two matches outside the continent does not generally make him immediately available. A coach often limits a player's minutes upon return, which distorts the analysis of his form.

The goalkeeper position is also an open competition. The last expanded list included Steven Mensah, Malcolm Barcola, and Achirafou Yaya, who have yet to secure this position. This will be one of the most captivating decisions to make before the first matchday.

The center-back position is more established. Pairing a defender capable of recovering the ball with one who knows how to build play enhances the balance of the defense. The full-backs on each side vary the most depending on the adopted tactical scheme.

Local players also making their mark

Patrice Neveu has included five players from the Togolese league in his expanded squad. This choice combines sporting logic with a desire for better engagement with the public. He selected Bastou Djibril, Mohamed Kpelafia, and Komi Arnaud Komlavi. Several criteria determine their retention in the group.

• The playing time accumulated during the early matchdays of the national league.
• The ability to keep pace during international gatherings.
• Direct competition with expatriates in the same position.
• Versatility, essential in a group of twenty-five players.
• Adaptation to the physical level of the opponents in Group I.

This start to the local championship is still somewhat of a new experience for the team. It provides the squad with good depth in case of numerous absences. Their performances in friendly matches in May were the first evaluation.

The communication from the Federation is usually the last to arrive before the gathering. It informs about call-ups as well as absences and the training camp location. As there is little communication regarding a player's absence, the lack of selection leads to local speculation.

What September will reveal

The final announcement will be made about ten days before the first match. An injury sustained in the league will be just as decisive as the coach's final decision. A starting player who does not feature in his club's starting XI risks losing his place in the national team. Pay attention to the European matches the weekend before the announcement, as they typically reveal the Togolese lineup.