Togo officially disqualified from Nations Cup

Togo8217;s assistant coach and media officer were killed and reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale seriously wounded by separatists from the enclave of Cabinda in Friday8217;s attack.

Monday8217;s Group B match between Togo and Ghana had been scheduled as the second part of a doubleheader. Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast shared a 0-0 draw in the first game at the new Chazi Stadium in Cabinda.

Togo midfielder Thomas Dossevi described the CAF decision as 8220;ridiculous8221;.

8220;It would have been simple for us to come back and play on Jan. 21,I think Ghana would have agreed to that,8221; he told Reuters by telephone.

8220;It is a serious and ridiculous decision. Everybody wanted us to be here and play the African Nations Cup.8221;

Togo left Angola on a chartered flight sent to collect them after the attack but had expressed the hope they might be able to return and compete at the tournament.

Several players spoke of their willingness to play on but they were ordered home by Togo8217;s government.

The CAF official said it would be impossible to change the tournament schedule.