Avram Grant's Ghana face an uphill struggle to qualify from the next phase of the African Cup of Nations after losing 2-1 to Senegal in their opening match.

Rocked by the absence of captain Asamoah Gyan, due to illness, before kick-off, Ghana started strongest and took the lead when Andre Ayew converted a 14th-minute penalty after a foul on Christian Atsu.

But Senegal dominated the second half and Stoke striker Mame Biram Diouf equalised with a 66th minute header before substitute Moussa Sow scored a stoppage time winner.

"This was not the result we wanted," Grant said, "but as you saw the players showed mental strength, and we hope they bring this to the next game."

Meanwhile, Dean Furman also tasted defeat as South Africa were beaten 3-1 by tournament favourites Algeria.

The South Africa captain struck the bar with a long-range effort with his team leading 1-0. But three goals in the final 23 minutes handed Algeria the points.

Furman said: "Overall we competed very well, some of the football we played was outstanding and as the coach was very disappointed not to come away with the win.

"It wasn't to be and we have to keep our heads up. We maintain that we played very well tonight, just disappointed we didn't react when they equalised."

South Africa are next in action against Senegal on Friday, whilst Ghana take on Algeria.