The world learnt with horror and shock on Friday that the Togolese National Football Team bus was attacked as the team travelled towards the Angolan City of Cabinda en route to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, due to begin on 10 January.

It has been reported in the international media that during the attack, wherein gunmen opened fire on the bus, the driver lost his life as well as the team’s assistant coach and media officer.

Amakhosi Chairman Kaizer Motaung was deeply saddened by the event and offered his condolences to the Togolese on behalf of the club, saying: “We send out our condolences to the Togolese Football Association as well as the players and families of those who lost their lives during this unfortunate event.

"We condemn, in the strongest words possible, the attack on the Togolese team; our prayers are with them at this time. Our hope also is that the reputation of the African continent is not tarnished by this violent act."

Togo were due to play their opening match of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations against Ghana on Monday. The Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso are the other teams in the group that were pencilled in to play matches in the Cabinda enclave in North Western Angola, although it was reported late on Saturday afternoon that the Togolese have withdrawn from the tournament.