Niger coach Gernot Rohr

Niger coach Gernot Rohr wants to capitalize on his team’s hunger for success to cause a major upset at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Menas are overwhelming outsiders at the tournament that kicks off on January 19 in South Africa.

Niger are drawn in a tough group Group B alongside Ghana. Mali and DR Congo.

Most of their players are home based with a few scattered across the lower tiers in Europe.

The German trainer however refuses to give in to the relative inexperience of his team as a disadvantage against sides with more established players in Group B.

“If it is a disadvantage, it is something that we can change into an advantage,” he insisted.

“We are a real team without any stars. All players have the same goal and objective and there are no big egos involved.

“The players are highly motivated and the fact that all of them are keen to play for a big club, preferably in Europe, acts as a further motivating factor.”

Rohr though admitting to the herculean task of making it out of Group B, is not overralled by the challenge but says a good start against Mali is imperative t0 their success.

“It is a very difficult group. Even though we are huge outsiders we are not without hope of advancing,” he adds.

“We are ranked only 30th in Africa, but we have also managed to climb 30 places in the world rankings, so everything will be possible.

“Our first match against Mali will be very important and if we want to do well, a good start is paramount.”

Niger will subsequently take on DR Congo and then finish their group campaign against four-time champions, Ghana.