Keshi is new Togo coach

By Ebow Godwin
BBC Sport, Lome

Former Nigeria international Stephen Keshi is the new Togo coach

Former Nigerian captain Stephen Keshi has been appointed as the new coach of Togo.

The former Super Eagles star is currently in Lome to begin his two-year contract in charge of the Hawks.

Keshi replaces Antonio Dumas of Brazil, who was sacked after he failed to lead Togo to this year's African Cup of Nations.

Stephen Keshi has said he accepted the offer because he believes that Togolese players have the skills, talents and potential to put the country back on the football map.

"All Togo needs is the expertise to provide the young players with direction," he said.

"We shall see what we can do in the next few days," Keshi told the press.

He added that he is already familiar with several Togolese players including Adebayo Sheyi and Sheriff Toure, who play in Europe.

Keshi's first task is to prepare the side for a 2006 World Cup and Cup of Nations qualifier away to Zambia on 5 June.

Togo will also take on Senegal, Mali, Liberia and Congo in Group 1 of the joint qualifying campaign.