Togo manager Patrice Neveu says his side must return home with a result when they face Algeria in an Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier.

Speaking at a news conference at the Hocine-Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou on Friday evening, on the eve of the match, the French coach made clear that Togo’s objective is to remain in contention for qualification by collecting points.

Algeria are regarded by Neveu as one of the strongest teams in the group and the favourites to qualify. However, the Togo manager rejected any suggestion that his team would approach the fixture as underdogs with little to lose.

“We have come here to try to take points and increase our points tally so that we can qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.

“We know Algeria are the favourites in the group. We are visiting a major footballing nation. But, as you know, we are competitors, and the objective is to bring something back home.”

Neveu also played down the potential impact of absences within the Algeria squad. While acknowledging that the hosts will not have all their players available, he believes the Fennecs have enough strength in depth to maintain their level.

The Togo manager expects his players to face a demanding contest and said they would need to work hard to achieve their target.

“I do not think the absences are reasons for us to be satisfied. We know very well that we will have to put in a great deal of energy to go and get a result,” he warned.