Durosimi Thomas BBC Sport

Ghana sacked Jones in 2001

Some might say Attuquayefio (nicknamed Sir) doesn't deserve full credit for Benin's achievement, as Taelman spent two years laying a solid foundation for the national team.

But few can argue with the fact that the Ghanaian coach has built an impressive record over the years.

While no one expects the Squirrels to return from Tunisia with the Nations Cup trophy, an impressive debut in Africa's most prestigious football event is regarded as an achievable target.

Benin's road to Nations Cup

Three years ago, Attuquayefio won the African Champions League with Hearts of Oak and was rewarded with a medal as Africa's best coach by the Confederation of African Football.

Like he did in Benin, the coach took over Hearts in mid-season and surprised pundits by winning the Ghanaian championship in 1997.

Attuquayefio held onto the crown for four consecutive seasons.

As a teenager, the coach was a member of the triumphant Black Stars squad that went to Tunisia and retained the African Nations Cup in 1965.

He is one of two African footballers that have played the highest number of Nations Cup final matches.

After 1965, Attuquayefio played in the final against Congo Leopoldville (now DR Congo) and Sudan in 1968 and 1970, respectively.

Curiously, Ghana's national teams have gained little from his tactical expertise.

He was sacked in 2001 by the Ghana Football Association, following a protracted dispute over the management of the Black Stars.

It is ironic that Ghana have failed to qualify for the next Nations Cup, while Attuquayefio will be the only Ghanaian competing in Tunisia - even if it's under the Beninois flag.

Benin disposed of a European coach to hire an African, while Ghana went the other way round.

Success with the Squirrels in Tunisia could make many Ghanaians rue the day the FA decided to show 'Sir' the door.