Ghana's first 2012 African Nations Cup game will be against newcomers, Botswana, in Franceville Tuesday January 24, three days after the tournament kicks off.

Saturday's draw in Malabo, seeded Ghana tops in Group D.

Goran Stevanovic's side will follow up their opener with fixtures against West African rivals, Mali four days later and Guinea on February 1. Both games will be played at the same venue.

Teams that finish first and second from their groups go through to the quarter-finals.

The Black Stars, four-time champions are one of the seven former winners chasing the title at the tournament to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

The three-week event will start on January 21 and end on February 12, 2012.