Togo are expected to make only limited changes when they face Zambia in Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with Patrice Neveu likely to retain the 4-2-3-1 system that helped the Hawks beat Burundi in their opening match.
The probable XI being circulated has Malcolm Barcola in goal, with Steven Nador, Kevin Boma, Djene Dakonam and Henri Koudossou forming the defensive line.
Jean Claude and Abdoul-Sabourh Bode are expected to provide the deeper midfield cover, while Sharani Zuberu, Karim Dermane and Zuberu could operate behind the lone striker Kévin Denkey.
However, there is some uncertainty around the exact XI. Two Togolese-focused reports have instead predicted Sadik Fofana and Djene as the deeper midfield pairing, with Yaw Annor and Kévin Denkey among the attacking options.
Neveu has a relatively experienced group at his disposal. The final 25-man squad includes regulars such as Djene, Kevin Boma, Karim Dermane, Sharani Zuberu and Denkey, while Arminia Bielefeld defender Henri Koudossou is the only newcomer to the squad.
Denkey the main danger for Zambia
The player Zambia will have to keep a particularly close eye on is Kévin Denkey.
The FC Cincinnati striker arrives in Ndola in good club form. He has scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 24 MLS appearances in 2026, according to Cincinnati’s official statistics.
Denkey has also been an important figure for Togo during the current qualifying cycle. He has scored twice in the team’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and has started nine of his 10 appearances.
The 25-year-old offers more than simply a presence in the penalty area. His physicality, movement and ability to hold the ball up can give Zambia’s centre-backs a different problem, particularly if Togo look to play directly and bring runners into the space around him.
There is another Togolese player Zambia will need to monitor closely: Karim Dermane.
The ESTAC Troyes midfielder scored the decisive goal in Togo’s 1-0 victory over Burundi on Friday, giving the Hawks a winning start to their AFCON 2027 campaign.
Dermane has also been one of Togo’s most consistently used players in recent World Cup qualifying, starting all eight of his appearances and contributing an assist.
At the back, Togo could also benefit from the experience of captain Djene Dakonam, who has been a regular starter during the qualifying cycle. Steven Nador, meanwhile, brings size and physical presence after establishing himself at Italian club Modena.
Togo travel to Ndola with three points already on the board after their 1-0 win over Burundi, while Zambia are looking to recover from Friday’s 3-1 defeat by Algeria.
The Hawks therefore have an opportunity to make it back-to-back wins, but Zambia will be hoping home advantage and a response to the Algeria setback can turn the Group I contest in their favour.
Probable Togo XI:
Malcolm Barcola; Steven Nador, Kevin Boma, Djene Dakonam, Henri Koudossou; Jean Claude, Abdoul-Sabourh Bode; Sharani Zuberu, Karim Dermane, Komi Komlavi; Kévin Denkey.
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
