Jonathan Mensah believes Ghana will win their next game against Algeria following an opening African Cup of Nations (AFCON) defeat to Senegal.

The Black Stars surrendered a first-half lead to be beaten 2-1 at the Estadio de Mongomo and must now win their remaining games or at least secure four points against Algeria and South Africa to stand the chance of advancing from Group C.

Algeria defeated South Africa 3-1 in the other opening group game and will now face Ghana on Friday.

The stalwart defender admits the difficulty of the task ahead but demands the team must work hard to remain in the competition.

"Algeria is a really good team and we need to work hard in order to get all six points from the next two games," Mensah played the entire duration against Senegal.

 The Evian Thonon Gillard defender also acknowledged the absence of malaria-hit captain and reliable scorer Asamoah Gyan.

"Gyan's absence affected us of course and also the change of formation affected us; we're now getting used to the 3-5-2 system," he added.

The Black Stars will have to record favourable results against Algeria and South Africa on January 23 and 27 respectively to advance to the quarterfinals of the AFCON.