SAFA sends condolences to Togo FA

The South African Football Association (SAFA) extended its condolences to the members of the Togo national soccer team and the families of those who tragically lost their lives or are injured in the shooting attack on their team bus in Angola.

The Togo squad was on its way to take part in the 27th edition of the 2010 African Cup of Nations tournament hosted by Angola, when gunmen from the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) rebel group fired on the team bus in Cabinda, a territory separate from the rest of Angola as a result team media officer Stanislas Ocloo, assistant coach Amalete Abalo and a driver were killed.

The squad has since gone home after being ordered by their Prime Minister to return. SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani has recorded his shock and disappointment on receiving the news about the attack.

"This is a tragedy for the Togolese players and their families, as well as the people of Togo," said the SAFA head honcho. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this hour.

"We further wish to extend our condolences to the people of Angola and our colleagues in the Angolan Football Federation. They have our full support in dealing with this tragic and horrific incident.

Nematandani added: "We wish to express our confidence in the ability of the Angolan law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice."

Togo were due to play Ghana in Group B on Monday, 11 January. Other teams in their group are Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.