Adebayor and Togo hoping to return for Cup games

The Togo squad flew home last night although their African Nations Cup future remains shrouded in uncertainty after it emerged they have asked to return to Angola at a later date.

The players were ordered back to Togo against their wishes by the country's leading governmental figures earlier yesterday following Friday's terrorist attack on the team bus which left three people dead.

The decision – made by Togolese prime minister Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo and president Faure Gnassingbe – came after the players had performed a

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U-turn and decided to play as a mark of respect to the dead.

And they may still get their wish after it emerged sports minister Christophe Tchao had asked for their place in the tournament remain open.

He told reporters before the squad left Cabinda: "We have ordered a three-day mourning.

"The players are leaving with the bodies of their fallen brothers and we have asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to find an arrangement so we can catch up with the competition later."

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Earlier, Houngbo and Gnassingbe ruled the squad should come home even though they wanted to stay.

Houngbo said: "We understand the approach of the players who wanted to express a way to avenge their fallen comrades, but it would be irresponsible on the part of the authorities to let them continue.

"The team must return today. The government's decision is unchanged.

"It is a conscious decision since Friday. If a team or a person present themselves under the banner of Togo, it would be a false representation."

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Captain Emmanuel Adebayor reluctantly accepted the decision after speaking with Gnassingbe this morning, stating to French radio station RMC: "The head of state has decided we will return.

"There was a meeting between players yesterday and we said we were still footballers.

"We all decided to do something good for the country and play to honour those who died.

"Unfortunately, the head of state and the country's authorities have decided otherwise. We will pack up and go home.

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"Is there going to be another attack? Nobody knows. If they asked us back (home), maybe they received a call saying that the threat was not passed.

"We are obliged to respect that. The head of state knows what is good for our careers and our lives."

Premier League managers have voiced their concerns over security at the tournament.

Hull boss Phil Brown wants his two players – Gabon striker Daniel Cousin and Nigerian midfielder Seyi Olofinjana – to return to England.

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Brown said: "I am appalled. This throws a question mark against next summer's World Cup. You simply cannot put the safety of players, officials and fans at the slightest risk. That is totally unacceptable. I have two players – Daniel Cousin and Seyi Olofinjana – on duty and I want them back home here with us as quickly as possible."

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