With FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 only months away, surprise qualifiers Togo are looking to strengthen their squad, with appeals to players who have any possible Togolese connections.

Following their dramatic 3-2 away win against Congo in the final qualifying match, which saw them secure top spot ahead of group favourites Senegal, their Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi decided to appeal to foreign based players who may be eligible to represent the Sparrowhawks.

At the top of Keshi’s list are Bayern Munich central defender Valerien Ismael, and Southampton FC midfielder Yoann Folly. It would be a considerable coup for Keshi were Ismael to accept the offer of representing Togo. His defensive qualities would provide some much needed steel to what is widely acknowledged to be the Achilles heel of the team.

Ismael, who is considering the overtures from the Togolese, is thought to qualify because his wife Caroline was born in Togo.

Yoann Folly’s connections with the West Africans are less tenuous – it is his country of birth. However, he has already represented France at Under-21 level and he may still wish to make the breakthrough at senior level for Les Bleus. The selectors for Togo, on the other hand, will be hoping that the opportunity of playing on the greatest stage in world football will prove too much.

Also on Keshi’s shopping list are Auxerre’s promising young defender Serge Akakpo, Paris Saint-Germain striker Jonathan Tokple, Abdul Razak Sadou of Berichonne Chateauroux and Bordeaux defender Kodjo Afanou.

Afanou, like Folly, was born in Togo but held ambitions to play for France. He is now however reconsidering his position following the Togolese approach. “The selector of Togo contacted me and it left me a certain time to reflect. I am considering it, but there are many parameters. I will make my decision before the end of the year. Togo, it is my native land, the country of my roots, of my parents,” he said.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | google | yahoo | technorati