By Durosimi Thomas BBC Sport

Frank Fiawoo says Togo can cause a surprise at the World Cup finals

Togo footballing legend Frank Fiawoo says the Hawks will not only make it to the World Cup finals next year but can also cause a surprise in Germany.

Togo need just a draw in Congo on Saturday in their final World Cup qualifier to book their place at their first ever World Cup finals.

Fiawoo played for Togo 40 years ago is one of the unsung heroes of African football.

He featured for French sides Olympic Marseille and Bastia between 1965 and 1970 but had his career cut short by a car crash.

The 63-year-old admits he is surprised by Togo's progress.

"When the campaign started I was not thinking about the World Cup, I thought it was beyond us but now at least I know we can make it," he told BBC Sport.

It makes me proud to be Togolese Frank Fiawoo

"The work for this started back when we were playing and has been boosted by the contribution of former players."

Since 1978 African sides making their debuts at the World Cup finals have had some impressive appearances but Fiawoo is optimistic that with the right tactics Togo can do even better.

"I would like the coach to have strong reserves because if the star players like (goalkeeper) Agassa and (Emmanuel 'Sheyi') Adebayor are neutralised during the game, it will be bad for us," he added.

"There should be other players with similar qualities to count on.

"Look at Senegal they could have gone further in 2002, but after they reached the quarter-finals they relaxed, even though they were able to beat Turkey.

"If Togo win their group and get to the next round we should not say that we are debutants and that is enough - we should go as far as we can because we are capable."

Fiawoo is currently working as the youth team technical director at his former club Marseille and is enjoying some of the rewards for his contribution to the French side.

"Last year the city of Marseille honoured me for my service to the club," he said.

"It makes me proud to be Togolese. I also have free access to their games and I am now working with one of the club's amateur sides.