The Scorpions will make their debut at Tunisia 2004

Oumar Tchomogo has promised a "few surprises" when Benin make their debut at the Nations Cup finals in Tunisia next year.

The 25-year-old midfielder said the Scorpions have set their sights on reaching the second round of the tournament, despite their lack of experience.

"I feel we can do even better than that as we'll be a surprise package. I don't really fear any other team," Tchomogo told the Fifa website.

He went on: "Almost all the African players play in Europe which evens things out. Each team has its qualities which is why I believe we are in with a chance.

"Our weakness in Tunisia will be our lack of experience. It'll be our debut in the tournament, which will make things tough."

Our weakness in Tunisia will be our lack of experience Oumar Tchomogo

Tchomogo's five goals were the key to Benin's qualification for Tunisia 2004 but he does not regard himself as a genuine goal scorer.

"I'm more of a passer who gets the occasional goal. My job is to make the final pass but when the captain isn't on the field, I take over. It's a responsibility I enjoy."

Tchomogo, who plays for French side Guingamp, said the appointment of Ghanaian Cecil Jones Attuquayefio as coach made a huge difference to Benin's football philosophy.

"His training sessions are top-class and we've developed a solid foundation to our game," said Tchomogo, the elder statesman in the Benin dressing room with 27 caps.