Black Stars midfielder, Laryea Kingston, says a first round exit at the African Nations Cup will have an adverse effect on the team's World Cup campaign in Germany.

The player who is headed for Russian club Locomotiv Moscow after the CAN 2006, said the team is poised to ensure that they scale the first round hurdle successfully despite an opening day defeat to Nigeria.

"If we go out at the first round, it will not help the team. It will dampen our spirits. We'll do everything possible to secure our place in the competition so that we can get more confidence to tackle the World Cup," said Kingston.

Ghana need a win in their second Group D clash with Senegal's Teranga Lions at the El Masry Stadium in Port Said on Friday to stand any chance of qualifying to the next round of the tournament.

Kingston says he has struggled to get over the Nigeria defeat and is looking forward to helping the team win their remaining group matches.

"The defeat has hurt me a lot because Ghana-Nigeria games are important to both sides and I missed the clear chance. After the match I couldn't sleep.

"But I have shaken it off. I know we'll win the next two games," he intimated.

Against the Super Eagles, the Stars played with a lone man upfront.

Kingston however, advocates offensive play in the must win duel with the Teranga Lions.

"Against Senegal we'll make sure we get early goals so that we secure a win. If the coach allows everyone to play an attacking football, we can do something. Because we need to score before we can win the game.

"At training today (Wednesday) I saw that all my teammates want to work to win the Senegal game," said the player.

Most Ghanaian fans back home, scared by the thought that the Stars could suffer a similar as world cup qualifier, Angola, have been very critical of the team's performance.

But Kingston has appealed to the fans to exercise some restraint while assuring the nation that they will see a better Black Stars against the Teranga Lions on Friday.

"I'm pleading with them that they should be patient with us and pray for us rather than criticise us."