By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport, Cairo

Dujkovic says his players are in very good shape

Rwanda manager Ratomir Dujkovic is confident that his players will not be humiliated in the African Cup of Nations opening match against hosts Tunisia on 24 January.

DR Congo and Guinea are their other opponents in Group A.

"Tunisia will have to suffer to beat us," Dujkovic told the BBC Sport website.

"We were able to eliminate the mighty Ghanaians in the qualification series, so anything is possible."

The Serbian, who arrived in the East African country two years ago, expressed satisfaction with the progress that the team has made under his tutelage.

Tunisia will have to suffer to beat us Rwanda manager Ratomir Dujkovic

"Being in the Cup of Nations [for the first time] made everyone in Rwanda happy and enthusiastic.

"In such a poor nation, this is heaven and I am proud to be part of it," he said.

The 57-year-old, who wants to renew his contract when it expires in July, praised his players' positive attitude and commitment.

He said Rwanda's players will be in top condition for the tournament, even though they lack the experience that would enable them to compete with the more established teams in the continent.

"We are still working on improving our tactics and the lack of experience is our main hitch," he admitted.

Dujkovic, who coached Venezuela and Myanmar, as well as being a part of Yugoslavia's coaching staff at the 2000 European Championships, is confident that participating in Africa's showpiece tournament could only benefit the club and international careers of his players.