Benin star Razak Omotoyossi says his side can come through in Angola
Benin striker Razak Omotoyossi has claimed that his country can cause an upset at the Nations Cup in Angola next month.
The Squirrels are expected to struggle against Mozambique, the reigning champions Egypt and Nigeria in Group B.
But Omotoyossi is confident that Benin can challenge their illustrious rivals for a place in the next round.
"We consider ourselves strong contenders for the quarter-finals," he told BBC Sport.
"All the guys know we are in with a chance and will strive to give their best."
Benin will be contesting their second successive Nations Cup and only just missed out on a place at the World Cup in South Africa.
Omotoyossi believes that their team spirit, attacking football and the perception that they are 'minnows' provides the right motivation for them to shock everyone in Angola.
"This team has what it takes to do well in Angola and in the future," Omotoyossi said.
"But we need that extra bit of determination and anger which makes a team fight harder during their matches.
"We really don't have so much to lose since everyone has written us off before the first ball is kicked in Angola."
Benin failed to get beyond the group phase of the Nations Cup in Tunisia in 2004 and in Ghana in 2008.
But the Metz striker, who scored eight goals in the qualifying matches, is hoping it will be third time lucky for them in Angola.
"We are opening with Mozambique and if we play well, I think we can win," Omotoyossi said.
"Of course the next game against Nigeria will be a high-pressure game, [as will] our last match against Egypt, but our players all have big-match temperament.
"If we can get into the knockout phase, at least that would give us something positive to go home with."
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