Botswana might be newcomers to the African Cup of Nations but pose a real threat to every other team especially in Group D.

And they open with big match against Ghana at the Stade de Franceville on Tuesday with coach of the “Zebras”, Stanley Tshosane sounding a note of caution to the Black Stars.

Named as the African team of the year at the Caf Awards in Accra last December, the “Zebras” came through a difficult group comprising former African champions, Tunisia, Togo who were at the 2006 World Cup, Malawi and Chad.

Such is the progress that the team, dominated by home players has made under Tshosane, who told the BBC Sports that they are in for real business despite the fact that they will miss forward Joel Mogorosi, who broke his arm last week.

"We're not here on holiday, we will surprise someone," the Botswana coach told a BBC reporter ahead of game against Ghana.

Certainly their first game would be a great moment for them as they attempt something big against the four-time champions, Ghana.