Senegal have come from behind to earn a late 2-1 victory over Ghana in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.

It took just 12 minutes for the game to come alive as Andre Ayew gave Ghana the lead from the penalty spot following Bouna Coundoul's foul on Christian Atsu.

Senegal came close to netting an instant equaliser when Papy Mison Djilobodji headed over from a corner, while Cheikhou Kouyate was thwarted by Brimah Razak moments later.

The chances continued to fall midway through what was a breathless first half when Ghana forward Atsu was sent through on goal, but he could only scuff wide after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

A good opportunity for the Senegalese to level things up arrived on 29 minutes through Kara Mbodji, though his effort from Stephane Badji's free kick rattled the crossbar before Mame Biram Diouf's spectacular volley was pushed away by Razak.

The Ghanaians carved out a final opportunity four minutes before the break when Atsu's powerful drive was blocked by Coundoul.

Both teams enjoyed strong starts to the second half, but it was Senegal who made a breakthrough on 58 minutes as Biram Diouf nodded in at the second time of asking after his initial header was kept out by Razak.

The two sides showed no fear in trying to push for a winner during the final half an hour, with Dame N'Doye curling narrowly wide for Senegal before Ayew fired off target with a free kick.

Moussa Sow's introduction off the bench boosted Senegal during the final stages as the striker shot the wrong side of the post after heading wide.

With time running out, Sow scored the winner with virtually the last kick of the game when he blasted the ball home from Biram Diouf's cutback to hand the Senegalese the three points.