Ghana goalscorer Andre Ayew urged his team not to let their heads drop after they began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Senegal.

"We showed good spirit and we mustn't let our heads drop. Of course I'm disappointed with the defeat but I know we have good players and can put in good performances," said Ayew, whose early penalty put the Black Stars ahead.

However, Mame Biram Diouf equalised for Senegal in the second half before Moussa Sow struck a late winner.

It was a bitter blow for a Ghana side who were missing skipper Asamoah Gyan after he was admitted to hospital over the weekend with mild malaria.

"Today Senegal had a bit of luck in the second half that we were lacking. Gyan is a very important player for us, a leader, our captain.

"He wasn't there but those who were managed to do a good job," said Marseille star Ayew.

Ghana coach Avram Grant added: "It was a difficult match for us. We were playing against experienced and very physical players.

"When we played the ball along the ground it was good. We opened the scoring and had good chances.

"But we knew that if we lost nothing would be decided."

Ghana face Algeria in their next Group C game on Friday.