Senegal beat Ghana 2-1 in Nations Cup thriller

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Senegal players celebrate during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Senegal beat Ghana 2-1 in an electrifying African Cup of Nations Group C opener after substitute Moussa Sow scored a dramatic winner with almost the last kick of the game on Monday. Sow drilled in a low shot deep into added time to complete Senegal's comeback after Mame Biram Diouf had cancelled out Andrew Ayew's first-half penalty for Ghana. The result was a sour start for former Chelsea boss Avram Grant in his first match in charge of Ghana, with the quadruple former winners now under pressure to advance from the 16-nation tournament's toughest group. Algeria and South Africa, the other two teams in the group, meet later on Monday. An error-strewn opening 10 minutes turned into a vastly entertaining encounter after Ghana right wing Christian Atsu raced clear of his markers and won a penalty as Senegal goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul brought him down. Ayew, standing in as captain for fellow striker Asamoah Gyan who was ruled out after contracting malaria, drilled the spot-kick high down the middle in the 14th minute. The pacy Atsu missed a gilt-edged chance to double the lead midway through the opening period, placing his shot wide of the far post with only Coundoul to beat after a darting run by midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang. Senegal then took the upper hand and twice came close to drawing level, with central defender Kara Mbodji's header smacking the crossbar before Diouf produced the most spectacular moment of the tournament so far. With his back to goal on the edge of the penalty box, the Stoke City striker unleashed a vicious overhead shot after a teasing cross was headed into his path and only a superb reflex save by keeper Razak Braimah denied him. The imposing Diouf finally got his reward in the 58th minute when he equalised with a diving header after a first attempt hit the far post. Rattled and unable to deal with Senegal's raids down the left flank, Ghana were let off the hook in the 66th minute when Diouf blasted a half-volley over the bar from 10 metres. With time running out and Ghana seemingly holding on for the draw, Senegal launched one last raid and a flowing move found Sow perfectly placed in the heart of the penalty box to rifle in the winner past the helpless Braimah.