Black Stars coach Avram Grant says the team is focused on winning their next game against Algeria despite the jerky start at the AFCON tournament.

The Black Stars lost their Group C opener 1-2 to Senegal on Monday in Mongomo with the Teranga Lions coming from behind to seal the victory.

Moussa Sow scored the late winner in added time after Mame Biram Diouf had cancelled out Andre Ayew's first-half penalty for Ghana.

"It was a difficult match for us. We were playing against experienced and very physical players," said Grant.

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

The Black Stars will face Algeria on Friday and the Israeli trainer remains very optimistic about their chances of progressing to the next stage of the competition.

"We don't want this result that has happened but I'm sure as you saw the players showed good mentality and we hope it will be the same next game. 

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