Emmanuel AdebayorGetty

Veteran forward Emmanuel Adebayor headlines Togo squad for Afcon qualifier against Benin

Veteran striker Emmanuel Adebayor is still in Togo coach Claude Le Roy’s plans after being included in the squad for next month’s Afcon qualifier against Benin at home.

The Frenchman has announced a 34-member provisional squad which includes 34-year-old Adebayor who turns out for Turkish side İstanbul Basaksehir.

Since making his Togo debut in 2000, Adebayor has twice retired from international football.

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But following the arrival of Le Roy in April 2016, the former Arsenal striker has been consistent in the national team, showing the faith Le Roy has in him.

With Togo’s Afcon qualifying campaign having started with a 1-0 away loss to Algeria, Le Roy is banking on the experience of Adebayor in a squad that has been blended with a number of young players.

Also in the provisional squad are 15 new call-ups including 17-year-old striker Kevin Denkey, an academy player at French League One side Nimes.

Nineteen-year-old Lyon goalkeeper Malcom Barcola is another academy player, and has been handed his debut call.

Togo squad

Goalkeepers: Yorgan Edem (SD Ponferradina, Spain), Sabirou Bassa Djeri (Coton Sport, Cameroon), Malcolm Barcola (Olympique Lyonnais, France), Yovo Bedi (Gomido FC), Fadil Soumanou (Koroki)

Defenders: Issifou Bourahana, Ablanvi Djadja (AS Togo Port), Dakonam Djene (Getafe, Spain), Simon Gbegnon (AS Beziers, France), Maklibé Kouloum (Dyto Lome), Tevi Steve Lawson (unattached), James Olufade (Union Douala, Cameroon), Hakim Ouro Sama (Lille, France), Messan Toudji (Anges FC)

Midfielders: Bilali Akoro (AS OTR), Lalawele Atakora (FK Qabala, Azerbaijan), Samuel Asamoah (St Truiden, Belgium), Koffi Franco Atchou (Fremad Amager, Denmark), Floyd Ayite (Fulham, England), Ihlas Bebou (Hannover 96, Germany), Marco Bocco (Agaza Lome), Razak Boukari (Chateauroux, France), Matthieu Dossevi (Toulouse, France), Amevi Gadjabo (Espoir), Elom Nya Vedji (Planete Foot), Thomas Wogodo (Futur Stars)

Forwards: Emmanuel Adebayor (İstanbul Basaksehir, Turkey), Kevin Denkey (Nimes, France), Abel Hunlede Kissimbo (AS Togo Port), Thibault Klidje (Espoir), Kossi Koudagba (ASCK), Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba (Renaissance Berkane, Morocco), Peniel Mlapa (VVV Venlo, Netherlands), Koidj Sewonou (AS Togo Port).

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