Benin's main man Razak Omotoyossi has told the Black Stars the Squirrels want World Cup qualification as much as Ghana does and will battle tooth and nail for it.

Ghana open the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers at home to Benin on March 29th before taking on Mali and Sudan on the road to SA 2010.

Omotoyossi says the Black Stars maybe favourites but is adamant the group is very open.

"Ghana may be favourites but Mali is good, Sudan cannot be taken for granted and we believe in ourselves greatly," he told KickOffGhana.com in an exclusive interview.

"The big teams in the group must show the other teams respect because it takes a lot to get to this stage," he continued.

"If any team goes into the games thinking it is already done, that qualification is guaranteed and don't show enough respect they will be shocked."

Omotoyossi's six goals in six qualifying games were chiefly responsible for Benin's progress to this stage ahead of 2006 World Cup campaigners Angola and Uganda. For Omotoyossi, that campaign typified the spirit of the Squirrels.

"Nobody gave us a chance when we were drawn with Angola and Uganda but we topped our group so everything from this stage is possible," he said.

"We are a close unit, we are determined and feel that on our best day we can beat anyone."

"The advantage for us is that even though I have scored the goals, I am surrounded by many good players who share the same hunger and desire.

"We have got great spirit and a good set of players so I think we can pull a surprise."