Togo plays its decisive AFCON match against DR Congo in what could see the team progress or exit the tournament.
However, as time winds down, emotions loom over Kossi Agassa, after disgruntled fans vandalized his house in an outrage over Togo’s 3-1 loss to Morocco.
All goals were disappointingly conceded with Agassa rather carrying the bigger responsibility after a poor goalkeeping performance.
It was revealed that fans grouped up after the final whistle and took aim at Agassa’s Lome residence forcing local police to intervene and place the property under protection.
With the unfortunate turn of events, it is not certain whether the 38-year-old will sit out today’s match after being granted permission to decide.
“He was really affected when he heard the news,” Togo coach Claude Le Roy said.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Whether he wants to play or not, I will respect his decision.”[/perfectpullquote]
Now Togo faces a must-win match in Port Gentil kept alive by the goalless draw against Ivory Coast in which, Agassa played a major role to hold back the defending champions.
“Agassa does not deserve such treatment, ” LeRoy added.
“We are all supporting him because, after all, football is a game.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”He is very upset and it has had an impact on the morale of the whole team, I think it has scarred him too much psychologically.[/perfectpullquote]
“His mother has so far found it difficult to talk about it, it was so stressful and a cause of panic for her.
“I really doubt he will be able to play the third match.”
However, LeRoy is hopeful that the team will rise from the unfortunate event and find a way to put it behind them.
“The solidarity of the team is such that we will find calmer waters and not let ourselves be affected by a small minority in what is a country of peace,” the coach adds.
As history has it, this would not be the first time fans have attacked a sports player’s home.
In 1998, Togo striker, Salou Bachirou was a victim as well after his house was damaged by angry people over a perceived poor performance at the Nation’s Cup in Burkina Faso.
Agassa has played for Togo since 1998 and was number one choice when they reached the World Cup in 2006.
Featured photo: Togo goalkeeper, Kossi Agassa, granted permission to sit out in today’s game after a violent incident at his house. (AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
