The leader of Ghana’s delegation is optimistic the Black Stars will still go beyond the group stages, despite losing their opening game against Algeria.

Black Stars management committee chairman George Afriyie believes Ghana have a brighter chance in the Africa Cup of Nations, despite suffering a major setback in their first game.

The four-time African champions succumbed to a 1-2 defeat in their opening Group C fixture against Senegal courtesy a Moussa Sow additional time strike, but the head of the team’s management insists the Ghanaians can meander their way through and qualify to the next stage.

“I think we didn't play well in the second half, but why not we’re in a group of four, with two more matches to go so we can qualify,” Afriyie told Goal Ghana.

Stand-in captain Andre Ayew slotted in a 14th minutes penalty but Mame Biram Diouf equalised two minutes to the hour mark and Sow rub salts into Ghana's wound deep inside additional time.

Ghana are scheduled to play Algeria on January 23, in the next group game in Mongomo.