Togo accused of giving authority to terrorism

By Khanyisa Tabata
12 January 2010


Police Commissioner Bheki Cele says it is unfortunate that Togo’s government withdrew its players from the African Nation’s Cup in Angola after an attack in which three people were killed.

After returning from Angola, Cele said the withdrawal gave authority to terrorism.

He added that it was unfair to cast doubts on South Africa’s ability to ensure safety during the Fifa Soccer World Cup because of the Cabinda attack.

Cele says train bomb blasts in Spain in 2004 and the 2005 terrorist attack on London's transport network had no bearing on the Soccer World Cup in Germany in 2006.

In yesterday’s Afcon games, Malawi surprised Algeria by beating them 3-0 in a Group A match in Luanda.

Tournament favourites Ivory Coast were left ruing missed opportunities as they were held to a disappointing nil-all draw by Burkina Faso in Group B.

The departure and subsequent disqualification of Togo means Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Ghana will only play two games each in Group B.