Togo defender Izaak Akakpo says the Sparrowhawks are targeting maximum points from their opening two Group I matches against Burundi and Zambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Togo will host Burundi at the Stade de Kégué on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Ndola for their second Group I fixture against the Chipolopolo.

Akakpo, who plays for French club Lorient, says the team is approaching the two matches with confidence after positive recent training camps.

“We know it’s important. It’s an important match for qualification, but we’re in a good frame of mind. I think the last two training camps have been a good sign, and we’re going to continue in this vein to try and get the win against Burundi and Zambia,” Akakpo said.

The defender urged Togo to concentrate on their performance rather than being overly concerned about their opponents.

“I think we need to focus primarily on ourselves. We have to give our all, regardless of the opponent. Qualification will be difficult, whether it’s against Burundi, Algeria, or Zambia. So we’ll have to give everything and go for the win in the end,” he said.

Akakpo also spoke about the significance of returning to the Stade de Kégué in a Togo shirt, recalling how he visited the stadium as a youngster and once dreamed of playing there for the national team.

“It’s an honour to enter this stadium, to be at home. I was already here ten years ago. I was little, and people told me: ‘I hope that one day you’ll play on this pitch.’ Today, it’s an honour to be here and to see the whole country supporting us against Burundi, at home,” he said.

Togo are in Group I alongside Zambia, Algeria and Burundi, with the Sparrowhawks hoping to make a strong start before facing Zambia away in their second match.