By Charles Embola
Football writer kick442.com Cameroon
Speaking to kick442.com in an exclusive interview ahead of their last group C game against Rwanda, Togolais FA boss Col. Guy Kossi Akpowi said «I must commend the organizational level of the CHAN which indicates the enormous means and sacrifices deployed by the Cameroonian and their Government. From the day we arrived, the hospitality has been a top nudge.
On Togo taking part in its first CHAN:
«We lost our first game against cup holders and favourites, Morocco not because we played poorly, but something was lacking psychologically which we corrected in our second game and can boast of three points.
On how the FA prepared the team:
«We’ve not had local football for almost a year and counting, but we tried our best to bring our players up to speed with the level of competition in the CHAN. We organized a series of international friendlies but managed to execute just two because of certain Covid-19 restrictions. We played against Benin twice which didn’t give us satisfaction in some key areas but are okay with what we’ve been able to show thus far. The Government on its part has given us maximum support to engage in this competition»
On Controversial Defeat Against current Cup Holders:
«Referees are referees, they have the final say in a football game. Honestly from my angle, I’m still wondering how the referee could offer a penalty for a fault that didn’t exist except in his imaginations. Football pundits and fans alike are still to see any contact after viewing the tapes countless times. We had our chances created especially when to date we still review and see the tapes showing the Moroccan defender missing the ball and brings down our player in the 18 yards but the referee decided to give a blind eye. If we deserved something, it should’ve at least been a 1 point and not to be robbed of competition as it happened. With or without the VAR in this CHAN, we think the CAF commissioners has work to do with its referees. We are today condemned to beat Rwanda which isn’t going to be an easy fixture.»
Togo Vs Rwanda was moved to the Limbe Omnisports Stadium and will take place at 8:00 pm same time as the other Group C fixture pitting Moroccan vs Uganda.
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