Late arrival to cost Togolese striker Salou

Accra (Greater Accra), 24^th January 2000

Togolese international striker Bachirou Salou who plays for German first division team Eintracht Frankfurt, is likely to miss Togo's opening match of the African Cup of Nations against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.

A source in the Togolese camp told the GNA in Accra on Sunday that Salou had a problem with the Togolese Football Federation which coupled with club commitments delayed his arrival and this is likely to affect his selection in Monday's match.

In the absence of Salou who arrived Sunday afternoon, the source Koffi Fiawoo who plays for Lorient in France is a likely choice.

On his expectations on their encounter with Cote d'Ivoire, he said did not know much about their opponents and added, "the only thing I know is that they have good professionals in Europe."

"Remember that there are no minnows in modern football; there is nothing like big teams and small teams but rather the stronger team on the field of play will win."

On his assessment on Saturday's opening match between Ghana and Cameroon, he said, the Ghanaians did not play well like they did two years ago.

The source said if the Stars continue like that, he does not think they would go far, adding that though they were kicked out in the first round in Burkina '98, their performance in that competition was much better.

He tipped Togo and Cameroon to qualify from group A.

GRi