By Farayi Mungazi BBC Sport

Rwanda qualified at Ghana's expense

Benin, Rwanda and Zimbabwe could not have asked for tougher opposition at next year's Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.

The trio of debutants were handed formidable opponents by Caf general secretary Mustapha Fahmy when he conducted the draw in Tunis on Saturday.

But perhaps Benin will be cursing their luck the most after being drawn with three former African champions in Group D.

They will meet Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco in what has already been dubbed the tournament's 'group of death'.

We don't see ourselves as underdogs because we eliminated Ghana Brig-Gen. Caesar Kayzari Rwanda FA boss

But the country's sports minister Valentin Aditi Houde was defiant in the face of predictions that the Beninoise would do well just to score a goal in Tunisia.

"We're not going to make up the numbers. Every team has a chance to win and I wish Benin the best," said Atakoun.

Rwanda's first ever appearance at the Nations Cup finals will also be a true baptism of fire after they were drawn to meet hosts Tunisia in the opening match on 24 January.

The 'Bees', who qualified for the finals at at the expense of four-time champions Ghana, will also face Guinea and the DR Congo in Group A.

Rwanda FA president Brigadier-General Caesar Kayzari told BBC Sport website that his team will stand up well against tough opposition.

He said: "I'm happy we made history by qualifying for the first time and equally delighted that we'll be playing the opening game.

"So those who don't know much about Rwanda will find out on that day," he warned.

Kayzari said the Bees will go to Tunisia with the aim of improving on what they have already achieved.

Marimo says Zimbabwe will learn lessons at the Nations Cup

"The fact that we're playing in the opening match is a good thing, and we don't see ourselves as underdogs because we eliminated Ghana."

"I don't want to talk about Guinea but the Congo match will be tough as we are neighbours and share socio-political aspects.

Zimbabwe, the other new arrivals at the Nations Cup party, also face a massive challenge in Group C after being put in a pool headed by defending champions Cameroon.

But coach Sunday Marimo is undaunted despite the Warriors having been pitted against three former champions in their group.

"We were bound to be drawn against some difficult teams. But we've played against all the teams in our group before, so it's nothing new," Marimo told BBC Sport website.

However, Marimo is under no illusions of how hard Zimbabwe's Nations Cup debut will be.

"It's difficult but we're going to try our level best to put up a good show."