TOGO have pulled out for the African Nations Cup following the gun attack on their team bus.
Two players were injured and Togo’s coach driver was killed when the squad came under fire in Angola yesterday.
Organisers insist the tournament will still go ahead but Togo’s players made their decision to withdraw at a meeting last night.
Team captain Emmanuel Adebayor said: „It’s a football game, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in Africa and a lot of people would love to be in our position.
„But I don’t think anybody would be prepared to give their life.
Togo defender Serge Akakpo, who plays for Romanian club Vaslui, was hit by two bullets and suffered heavy blood loss in the attack in Angola’s oil-rich territory of Cabinda.
In the aftermath of the ambush, Adebayor feared his team-mate would not survive.
But his club have since reported his condition has stabilised and he underwent successful surgery.
Reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who plays for French club GSI Pontivy, was also wounded, while several other players required hospital treatment.
Adebayor added: „I don’t think any of the players will be able to sleep after this.
„You cannot sleep after what we have seen one of your team-mates with bullets in his body in front of you, crying and losing consciousness. It is very difficult.”
Togo were scheduled to play their first match in Cabinda against Ghana on Monday.
Shocked Togo stars withdraw
TOGO have pulled out for the African Nations Cup following the gun attack on their team bus.
Two players were injured and Togo’s coach driver was killed when the squad came under fire in Angola yesterday.
Organisers insist the tournament will still go ahead but Togo’s players made their decision to withdraw at a meeting last night.
Team captain Emmanuel Adebayor said: „It’s a football game, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in Africa and a lot of people would love to be in our position.
„But I don’t think anybody would be prepared to give their life.
Togo defender Serge Akakpo, who plays for Romanian club Vaslui, was hit by two bullets and suffered heavy blood loss in the attack in Angola’s oil-rich territory of Cabinda.
In the aftermath of the ambush, Adebayor feared his team-mate would not survive.
But his club have since reported his condition has stabilised and he underwent successful surgery.
Reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who plays for French club GSI Pontivy, was also wounded, while several other players required hospital treatment.
Adebayor added: „I don’t think any of the players will be able to sleep after this.
„You cannot sleep after what we have seen one of your team-mates with bullets in his body in front of you, crying and losing consciousness. It is very difficult.”
Togo were scheduled to play their first match in Cabinda against Ghana on Monday.
