Nations Cup kicks off amid security concerns

Late Friday evening, the Championship suffered a serious set back after attackers machine-gunned the contingent from Togo after the vehicle the team was  travelling in had crossed from the Republic of Congo into Angola’s oil-rich territory of Cabinda. Following the unfortunate incident which has left at least three people dead, Togo have since pulled out […]

Late Friday evening, the Championship suffered a serious set back after attackers machine-gunned the contingent from Togo after the vehicle the team was  travelling in had crossed from the Republic of Congo into Angola’s oil-rich territory of Cabinda.

Following the unfortunate incident which has left at least three people dead, Togo have since pulled out of the tournament as directed by the Togolese government but  but CAF and the government of Angola have  said the competition will continue .

It was reported that prior to their departure, Togo had attempted persuading Ghana and Ivory Coast- two other teams based in the break away province of Cabinda- to quit the championship.

The attack on Togo sparked off reactions from the international community with most of the European clubs where majority of the African players who would be featuring in the championship ply their trade calling for their immediate return to Europe.

Hull’s Gabon striker Daniel Cousin and Nigerian midfielder Seyi Olofinjana are among 31 Premier League players in Africa for the tournament and their boss Phil Brown led calls for European based players to immediately return to their clubs.

The opening game of the tournament is therefore set to feature hosts Angola and Mali at 1900 GMT on today.

Angola officials have insisted the country is committed to hosting a safe competition and will step up security.