Dare handed Togo reins

Togo players warming up

Friday Jul 19, 2024. 12:52

The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) have finally found a replacement for Paulo Duarte after announcing Nibombe Dare as the new head coach of the national team.

Duarte brought an end to his three-year tenure with the Sparrowhawks when he resigned in June to take up the reins of Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood.

The Portuguese tactician departed with Togo sitting fourth in Group B of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after failing to win any of their opening four matches, having drawn 1-1 with South Sudan before suffering a 1-0 defeat to DR Congo last month.

Dare won over 50 caps for the West Africans as a player and he stood out amongst the list of Togolese candidates during a “rigorous evaluation” by the FTF.

The 44-year-old was not present at the press briefing to announce his appointment, but he is set to finalise the details of his contract with the FTF upon his arrival in Lome.

Dare has been tasked with qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and will begin his reign against Liberia in September.

“This is the official announcement of his appointment. Nibombe Dare will be in Lome very soon to discuss the terms of his contract before his official presentation,” FTF Secretary General Herve Agbodan told reporters.