The Black Galaxies suffered a 2-1 defeat to Madagascar in their opening game in the TotalEnergies Championship of African Nations tournament in Algeria.
Ghana conceded from both halves but Augustine Agyapong’s 68th minute strike could only be counted as a consolation.
Solomampionona Koloina scored from a rebound after Ghana failed to clear their lines following goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim’s initial save.
Madagascar got their second goal of the day in the 62nd minute after Tokinantenaina Olivier picked up from another defensive blunder to slot home from Augustine Randolph’s horrendous defending.
Substitute Augustine Agyapong pulled one back for Ghana with a beautiful curler from the right side which beat the Madagascan goalkeeper.
Ghana pushed for the equaliser but the Malagasy defence remained resolute as they held on to win 2-1.
With Morocco withdrawing from the tournament Ghana’s hope of advancing to the next phase is now hanging by a thread as a result of the defeat.
The Black Galaxies now have to beat Sudan in the second group C game on Thursday, January 19, to book a place in the next round of the tournament.