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27 May 2018
A brave Togo get the draw against Scotland
For their first game in the Maurice Revello Tournament, Togo get the draw against Scotland. After a tough game, with a lot of duels, Togo and Scot Gemmil’s men tie 1-1 in the Aubagne De Lattre stadium.
Togo players arrived singing and left smiling. For their first game in the Maurice Revello Tournament, Jean-Paul Abalo's squad showed a good display. Against very intense Scottish in the duels but not technically diligent, successors of Emmanuel Adebayor try to project rapidly on the pitch once winning the ball back.
They open the score at the second minute thanks to Wogodo. Following a mess in the Scottish box and a wrong appreciation of the defenders, the FSA player netted in front of Doohan, Celtic Glasgow keeper, with a crossed shot. First opportunity, first goal. The youngest player of the squad (18 years-old) slips the ball in the net for the first time of Togo’s history in the Festival.
In the first half, the battle of the midfield is intense. Despite having the possession of the ball, the Scottish don’t find how to pierce Togo’s block, compact and well organized. Lot of technical inaccuracies from one and other. Upset by the lacks of his troups, Scot Gemmil doesn’t hesitate to stir up his players, asking for something more than long balls for the tall Fraser Hornbt. However, the salvation for the Tartan Army comes from the striker from Everton. 17th minute of the game, Boko, the Togolese midfield, commits a foul 25 meters away from his goal. He is immediatly punished. Johnston takes the free-kick and perfectly sends it to Hornby’s header.
Defences are taking the lead on forwards
The 22 men enter the pitch for the second half with the same spirit than first half. Still lot of waste in the game but the pace of the game intensifies. It is an open game but the technical mistakes are too important in order to get some dangerous situations.
Burke, the new Scottish football star waits to shine. The Togolese defenders are attentive and manage to isolate him, letting him harmless. Togo are pushing on counter attacks but bad choices and technical waste avoid them of having clear goal situations. Both teams have faith. But to hope leading the group A, they will have to higher their level.
Azir Said Mohamed Cheik
Credits photo : Magali Ruffato
Togo – Scotland : 1-1
Day 1 - Groupe B
Stade De Lattre, Aubagne
Goals : Wogodo (2e) for Togo / Hornby (17e) for Scotland
Togo : Agblemagnon – Yenoussi, Oura-Sama (c), Toudji, Djoyagbo – Boko (Balgou, 80'), Gadjabo, Wogodo (Denkey, 72'), Mensah, Gobitaka – Agbadji (Agoro, 57')
Coach : Abalo Jean-Paul
Scotland : Doohan – Taylor, Porteous, Kerr, Ralston – Johnston (Middelton, 76'), Campbell, Wilson – Burke (c) (Wighton, 68'), Hornby (St Clair, 79'), Wright (Burt, 50')
Coach : Gemmil Scot
Referees : Mr Rudolf (CAN), assisted by Mr Barwegen (CAN) and Mr Belleau (CAN)
