Unknown and unfancied but no underdogs: Togo hopes to sustain momentum

Let’s do it: Togo will look to make an impression when it takes on India.
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When India’s opponent for its subsequent Davis Cup fixture was introduced, many would have struggled to position the tiny nation of Togo on the world map, depart alone its probabilities in opposition to the house staff. Watching its gamers prepare on the R.Ok. Khanna Stadium right here, nonetheless, makes it clear the Indians might have a struggle on their palms.

Captain Rohit Rajpal admits to it and his Togolese counterpart Ali Agnamba hopes for it. At stake is a spot within the World Group 1, one thing the Indians maintain flitting out and in of and the Togolese have by no means reached. Nonetheless, coming in on the again of a outstanding run of 10 wins in 11 ties provides the guests momentum.

“Sure and no. I feel each match is totally different, each nation you play has several types of challenges. The great factor for us proper now could be that we’re united as a staff and we’re enjoying collectively. We’re excited to be enjoying in opposition to India and we all know the house crowd goes to be behind them however we perceive,” Agnamba stated after an intense coaching session.

The gamers had been progressively getting used to each the situations and the courts, shaking off the final remnants of jetlag flying in from totally different corners of the world.

Whereas three of the 4 gamers right here — Leova Ayite Ajavon, M’lapa Tingou Akomlo and Thomas Yaka Kofi Setodji — prepare and coach in France, Hod’abalo Isak Padio is a school scholar within the USA, the place Agnamba can be based mostly.

“That’s the worrying half. You could have a staff that’s doing effectively — and so they’ve reached nearly the place we’re in the mean time and so they’ve crushed Indonesia, Latvia, these are good groups — and we don’t have a lot info on them.

Usually we have now the information and we’re rather more assured. However now we’re going to spend so much of time watching them, make notes and take it from there,” Rajpal admitted, keenly observing the Togo coaching whereas the Indian gamers took a brief lunch break.

World No. 73 Togo’s final match was in opposition to Latvia, ranked 27 locations increased, and received 4-0. India is additional up, at 38.