Togo set for decision after armed attack on football team

Togo are set to announce today whether they will continue in the African Nations Cup after yesterday’s armed attack on their team bus in Angola.

Emmanuel Adebayor yesterday admitted many of his Togo teammates wanted to quit the tournament following the attack in which two players were shot and their bus driver was killed outright.

The Manchester City striker, who revealed the attack en route to the team’s base in the Cabinda province lasted 30 minutes, was convening a team meeting as captain last night at which the squad were set to discuss whether they stay in Angola or return to their clubs.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: “I think a lot of players want to leave, I don’t think they want to be at this tournament any more because they have seen their death already.

“Most of the players want to go back to their family. No-one can sleep after what they have seen. They have seen one of their teammates have a bullet in his body, who is crying, who is losing consciousness and everything.

“Everyone will go to their room, they will rest and we will see. We will make a decision which is good for our life.

Adebayor added: “We are still in shock. If the security is not sure then we will be leaving. I don’t think they will be ready to give their life.

“We will discuss everything as a team and we will take a decision that we think is good for our career, is good for our life and good for our family.”

Serge Akakpo and Kodjovi Obilale were confirmed by their clubs as the players injured in the attack.

The attack shocked football worldwide with governing body

FIFA releasing a statement that read: “FIFA and its president, Joseph S. Blatter, are deeply moved by the incidents which affected Togo’s national team, to whom they express their utmost sympathy.

“FIFA is in touch with the African Football Confederation (CAF) and its president, Issa Hayatou, from which it expects a full report on the situation.”

The Football Association are contacting FIFA to gain reassurance for English clubs who have players involved in the tournament.

Portsmouth, who have players taking part, said: “We will be asking the FA to talk to FIFA to ensure the players’ safety. That is paramount, and if the players’ safety can’t be ensured, then the players should be sent home.”

Aston Villa confirmed midfielder Moustapha Salifou is “shaken but okay” following the attack.

Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor fully appreciates the clubs’ concerns and desire for their players to come home if their safety cannot be guaranteed.

“That is very understandable. These are very valuable players,” Taylor said. “With Emmanuel Adebayor, Manchester City paid a great deal of money for him.

“They release these players under FIFA regulations and they have every right to expect the security issues and the safety is going to be paramount and if that is not the case then you feel they have a very serious reason to withdraw them.

“You can understand a club asking for its players to come home for safety’s sake when there has been such an incident. It doesn’t get any more serious than that.”