The sixth and final day of qualifications for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations continued on Sunday with a match between Togo and Cape Verde in Lome. The Togo Sparrowhawks managed to put an end to a four-year series of disappointments, defeats, and draws at home by defeating Cape Verde 3-2.
Despite their elimination being confirmed since the fifth day of qualifications, Togo did not give up and showed incredible resilience in this match on Sunday. Things got off to a rocky start for the Togolese team, which quickly found itself trailing 2-0, with goals from Kevin Pina in the 4th minute and Gilson Tavares in the 20th minute.
However, just minutes before halftime, Kévin Denkey gave Togo hope by reducing the deficit (40th minute). The Sparrowhawks maintained their pressure in the second half, and in the 77th minute, Denkey managed to score a brace, thus equalizing for his team.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Abdou Ouattara scored the winning goal for the Sparrowhawks. Despite Cape Verde’s desperate attempts to get back into the game, Togo held firm until the final whistle, sealing a memorable victory.
This match was a moment of jubilation for Togolese supporters who saw their national team break the curse of home failures that had lasted for four years. The Sparrowhawks displayed exceptional determination and fighting spirit to overturn the situation and secure this victory, despite their elimination.
