After a day of conflicting reports, it emerged that the Togo squad have decided to take part in the African Cup of Nations, despite Friday’s attack on their team bus, which left three dead and a number of players injured.

The driver died at the scene. Assistant coach Amalete Abao and media officer Stanislas Ocloo died later in hospital.

Amid calls from European clubs for the tournament to be suspended or called off, the Togolese government ordered the team home.

Reports also suggested that striker Emmanuel Adebayor was already on a flight to an unknown destination. However, colleagues said that the squad had “unanimously” voted to stay.

French-born Grenoble midfielder Alaixys Romao told French newspaper L’Equpe: “The entire delegation just met and we will be on the pitch to play against Ghana.

“People died for this tournament, we can’t abandon them and leave like cowards. The decision was taken unanimously.”

Striker Thomas Dossevi, who also plays in Ligue 1, with Nantes told the AFP news agency: “It is no longer a party but we want to show our national colours and our values.” 

Togolese government spokesman Pascal Bodjona said this morning: “The government is maintaining its decision to call the team back home.” While CAF spokesman Kodzo Salman claimed the players had “confirmed” to him that “they want to play.”

Reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale is to undergo surgery on gunshot wounds to his lower back at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.