Togo made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi in Lomé on Friday.
Karim Dermane scored the only goal of the Group I encounter in the 17th minute, giving the hosts an early advantage at Stade de Kégué.
Burundi pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Togo’s defence held firm to secure all three points and a clean sheet.
The result leaves Togo second in Group I on three points, behind Algeria on goal difference after Algeria defeated Zambia 3-1 in Tizi Ouzou earlier on Friday.
The victory sets up an important second-round meeting with Zambia, with the Hawks travelling to Ndola on Tuesday, 29 September.
Zambia will be looking to respond after Fashion Sakala’s second-half equaliser was followed by two further Algeria goals in their 3-1 defeat.
The other Group I fixture on matchday two will see Burundi host Algeria, with both matches scheduled for Tuesday.
