Factfile: Benin

Nicknamed: The Squirrels
Manager: Reinhard Fabisch
Skipper: Alain Gaspoz
Nations Cup record: Qualified 2 times.

Benin are appearing for only the second time ever in the African Cup of Nations this year, and they are doing it after being guided there by former gaffer Wabi Gomez, who was sacked just last month.

Gomez qualified Benin via the runners-up spot, after finishing second in their qualifying group, but after finishing with joint with Uganda on points, The Squirrels qualified had to rely on their greater goal difference.

Benin also managed a 4-1 victory over boadering Togo on the way to qualifying, a game in which Arsenal's goal machine Emmanuel Adebayor must have been switched off, as his side was demolished.

Gomez was replaced as head coach last month and in came German manager Reinhard Fabisch to try and guide the Beninois' to success.

Benin, who are seperated from host country Ghana only by Togo, saw their greatest International success come when the Youths of the country, finished third in the Under-20s African Youth Championship. And guess who was in Benin's team.

Our very own Romauld Boco.

The Under 20's went on to challenge in the Fifa Under-20 World Cup, a tournament that to this day is Boco's career highlight... Along with signing for Stanley that is.

The team went on to contest that year's Fifa Under-20 World Cup, giving squad members such as Razak Omotoyossi, Gariga Abou Miaga and Romauld Boco invaluable experience on the big stage.

Thousands of Benin supporters will be flocking to Ghana for tomorrow nights match, and us Stanley supporters will be at home cheering Boco on.

Match report from the Mali v Benin game will appear here on Tuesday evening.