Africa Cup of Nations preview: Togo

Togo have never gone beyond the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, despite the fact that they have qualified for the finals on six separate occasions.

While their coach Didier Six has very little experience of African football, he does possess a wealth of knowledge about the international game. The 58-year-old made 52 appearances for the French national team and even spent a season with Aston Villa.

Six has been hailed in Togo for guiding the nation to this competition. They came out of a tightly contested two-legged affair with Gabon as 3-2 victors.

Group: D

Players to watch out for:

Emmanuel Adebayor

It will come as little surprise that Adebayor is included in this section. Not only is the Tottenham Hotspur striker Togo's best player, he was one of the finest African footballers to have graced the game in recent years. His involvement will be a real bonus for Togo, who did not expect to have the 28-year-old available for selection following a disagreement over payments and safety. That has all been sorted though and he will wear the captain's armband in South Africa.

Moustapha Salifou

Aston Villa fans may remember Salifou, although he only managed to make a handful of appearances for the club up until his departure in 2011. However, while it may not have worked out in the Premier League, the 29-year-old midfielder has made over 50 appearances for his nation. His experience on the international front could prove to be crucial in what is a difficult group.

Previous best: Group stages

Odds outright to win: 50/1

Sports Mole says: Group stages