Togo Team To Compete Despite Angola Attacks

In a completely unexpected move, the squad from Togo has gone against their own country's withdrawal from the African Cup of Nations and decided to compete in honor of their fallen comrades. 

According to the French sports daily L'Equipe, the Togo team has decided to remain in the African Cup of Nations tournament and compete in honor of their fallen comrades who were victimized when the squad's bus was attacked in Angola.

Alaixys Romao, who plays for Grenoble, told the paper that the team held a late vote and decided to go ahead with their scheduled match versus Ghana on Monday.

Forward Thomas Dossevi noted that the players would not forget those who suffered, which included three dead and others injured from the Togo delegation.

"People died for this and others are injured. We can not abandon them and go like cowards."

The Angolan government apparently pleaded with the players to not give the attacking rebels the satisfaction of stopping a team from competing in the tournament. The Angolans also promised improved security to ensure the safety of the team.

It is unclear if the decision of the Togo team will be backed by their own country - which moved to recall the team in the wake of the attack.

"Our government does not necessarily agree with us, but we are all determined to play this tournament," Dossevi reportedly said.

Goal.com