Despite calls from their own government to withdraw, the team has apparently made up their minds to continue with the tournament. Speaking to the AFP, Thomas Dossevi said, “We are all heartbroken, it is no longer a party, but we want to show our national colours, our values and that we are men”.

“It was a decision taken nearly unanimously by the team which met during the night after having been reassured by the Angolan authorities”.

The Togo national football team’s bus was attacked by gunmen in Cabinda, Angola, resulting in the death of the driver and injury to several passengers, including two players.

Armed separatists fired machine guns at the bus as it entered northern Cabinda from neighbouring Congo, where Togo had been in training camp ahead of Angola’s African Nations Cup of 2010.

The bus driver was described as dead on the scene, while two players were also caught in the fire. These were Serge Akakpo, a 22-year-old with Romanian’s FC Vaslui, and 25-year-old Kodjovi Obilale, who plays in goal for amateur side GSI Pontivy in France.

A team doctor and another unidentified member of Togolese staff are thought to be the other two casulaties.

Meanwhile, Alaixys Romao told L’Equipe, “We have just had a meeting of the whole delegation and we will be on the pitch on Monday to face Ghana.”

All the teams have been promised increased security for the tournament following the attacks.

The Blues forward reportedly phoned his friend, Emmanuel Adebayor, who was one of the players on the bus when it was attacked by Cabindan separatist guerrillas. He spoke to him for a long time about the situation.

Drogba apparently considered quitting the African Cup of Nations, but now he and the rest of the Ivory Coast team are now resolved to play in the tournament.

“We are ready, but the events of Friday have left us shattered. I have spoken with Adebayor and it was a difficult situation for them,” the Chelsea star told The London Evening Standard. “We have to show solidarity with them, though, and support the decision they have taken. We are all sad to see them leave the biggest competition for African players, but that is life.”

While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have declared that the ACN will not be canceled, Togo’s part in the tournament now appears to have come to an end as the team have arrived at an airport in order to return to Lome, the Togolese capital.