Andre Ayew is urging his teammates to keep their focus after Ghana lost their opening Africa Cup of Nations game 2-1 to Senegal.

The attacker who scored the first goal of the game through a penalty in Mongomo on Monday is encouraged by ability of the Black Stars as they go in search of their first points.

"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," Ayew said after the game.

Ayew's goal separated both sides into the break but was canceled out by Mame Biram Diouf in the second half before Moussa Sow scored a late winner.

"Today Senegal had a bit of luck in the second half that we were lacking."

Though Ghana missed captain Asamoah Gyan who has been unwell, Ayew believes the rest of the squad performed creditably.

"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 Ayew, who captained the side.

Ghana will play Algeria in their next Group C game on Friday.