By Piers Edwards BBC Sport, Ouagadougou

Reinhard Fabisch is hoping to take his side to the knock-out stages

Benin play Mali, Ivory Coast and Nigeria in Group B, but prepared for Ghana by training in Brazil.

"We were in Brazil for 10 days, and Tunisia before that - our schedule has been crazy," the German told BBC Sport.

"I think we've spent more time in the air than on the training pitch in the last two weeks," he added.

"Preparing in Brazil hasn't helped us at all because it's a lot of timezones to cross and a lot of flying time, which is exhausting the team.

"But it was a government-to-government agreement between Benin and Brazil - and when you offer an African federation something for free, they will take it.

"It wouldn't have been my preparation but I've only been with the team for three weeks so had to accept it."

Razak Omotoyossi is expected to lead the attack against Mali

Fabisch's players were beaten 2-1 by Senegal in a friendly in the Burkinabe capital Ouagadougou on Wednesday.

Yet the former Zimbabwe coach, who was only appointed to lead the team last month, was happy with the work-out.

"Since the team is very, very tired at the moment, I am happy they played a reasonable game.

"They deservedly lost - since Senegal had so many chances - but my main tactical aim was fulfilled.

"I wanted to test the team that looks like the starting line-up for Tuesday's game against Mali and I was quite satisfied with the outcome," Fabisch said.

"I saw glimpses which gives me optimism for our tough group.

"I desperately want to win the opening match because if we win that, everything is possible.

"But the real target is to reach the quarter-finals which is very, very difficult in this group."

Striker Razak Omotoyossi believes the team is right for Benin to shine.

"The way we have prepared and the way everyone has responded in games means I think we are going to surprise everyone in the competition," the Sweden-based striker told BBC Sport.

"I have a belief and I think the team is ready to play, so I am not afraid and I think we can do something."