Togo's reserve soccer goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale arrives on a stretcher at Lanseria airport after being evacuated to Johannesburg for medical treatment, January 9, 2010. The assistant coach and the press officer of Togo's national soccer delegation died on Saturday following an ambush on the team's bus as it travelled to the African Nations Cup in Angola, a team member told French radio. Friday's attack, in which the driver was also killed and seven others were injured, took place in Cabinda, a province where guerrillas have fought a secession campaign for decades. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South African doctors said Sunday that Saturday's operation on injured Togo goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale in Johannesburg had gone smoothly, and they were confident in his recovery.

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    The 25-year-old goalkeeper was wounded when the Togolese national soccer team bus came under attack in Cabinda for the Africa Nations Cup starting in Angola on Sunday. Some gunmen sprayed bullets on the bus.

    The bus driver, as well as the assistant coach Abalo Amnalete and the team's spokesman Stanislas Ocloo, died during the attack.

    Obilale, who plays for French fourth division side GSI Pontivy, was airlifted to Milpark hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday.

    The head of the unit that operated on the goalkeeper in South Africa, Professor Elias Degiannis said that although it was very early on, he was satisfied with the progress.

    "He is being kept ventilated and sedated in the trauma intensive care unit where he will remain until such time as we are satisfied with his condition."

    Dr. Richard Friedland, the chief executive officer of the holding company of the hospital, said that they had been in constant contact with the family of the player, as well as Togolese officials.

    "They are fully aware of the situation and we briefed them fully of all the developments. The player himself spoke to his family before going into the operation."

    The doctors did not want to speculate on whether Obilale would suffer any lasting damage.