The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a painful 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the opening Group C game at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaoude, Cameroon on Monday, courtesy  Sofiane Boufal's 82nd-minute strike.

But, while there is mixed feelings among Ghana fans, mostly who are annoyed with the scoreline, the Black Stars players and coach Milovan Rajavac believes they have what it takes to qualify to the next stage and move on to the final.

Miss Abigail Okanta, Miss Grace Okyere and Abraham Nkansah, all members of the Ghana Supporters Union in Cameroon are hopeful that Ghana will ride on to the final and take the cup home.

Some local football experts like Alhaji Grunsah have also advised the coach to give chance to local players. Ghana went to the tournament with 17 debutants.

In 2010 and 2015, Ghana lost their first match but went to the finals and were runners up in those Afcon editions.

The Serbian coach handling the Black Stars said his players were on top till they were punished by the Moroccan strike, some few minutes to the end of the game.

Experienced skipper, Andre Ayew said he was not fully fit, but had to play to inspire the younger players.

He promised that they will fight on the field to qualify and go on to win the trophy which has eluded Ghana for 40 years.

Morocco face debutants Comoros on Friday (16:00 GMT) before Ghana play Gabon (19:00 GMT).

Meanwhile, President Nana Akufo Addo has urged Ghanaian to support the Black Stars and not discourage them.

The Total Enegies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 tournament has brought some sporting excitement on the continent of Africa, however the covid 19 pandemic is not allowing things to go the normal way.

GHANA STARTING XI

Starting XI: Wollacott, Rahman, Amartey, Djiku, Yiadom, Paintsil, Baba, Thomas, Sulemana, A. Ayew, J. Ayew

Substitutes: Nurudeen, J. Mensah, Addo, Issahaku, Kyereh, Boakye, G. Mensah, Owusu, Attah, Tetteh, Mumin, Abagna

MOROCCO STARTING XI

Morocco XI: Bono, Mmaee, Masina, Aguerd, Hakimi, Saiss, Ounahi, Amallah, Aboukhlal, Boufal, Louza

Substitutes: Amrabat, El Haddadi, Fajr, Mohamedi, Chair, Chakla, Alakouch, El Karouani, Tagnaouti, Chibi, Rahimi, Tissoudali

By Sammy Heywood Okine