With Algeria and South Africa also in Group C, the likes of Ghana and Senegal will be eager to kick off the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with a win.

The Black Stars have been one of Africa’s star performers in recent years, making it to three successive World Cup tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.

Meanwhile, Ghana have made it to the semi-final in each of the last four editions of AFCON, but it has now been 33 years since they last won the coveted title.

The Black Stars chiefs decided to appoint former Chelsea manager Avram Grant just six weeks before the tournament finals, and it remains to be seen whether that was the right decision.

Star players Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari were not even considered by the new coach having been suspended during the 2014 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Schlupp, Kwadwo Asamoah and Majeed Waris were removed from the preliminary squad due to injury.

Ghana kick off their campaign by facing very good Senegal side, but they can be backed at 2.20 (6/5) to claim maximum points.

Captain Asamoah Gyan is rated doubtful after suffering an injury in training, but Avram Grant has no other selection worries.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Dauda – Mensah, Awal, Boye – Atsu, Badu, Rabiu, A. Ayew, Wakaso – J. Ayew, Gyan.

Senegal arrived at the biggest stage in 2002, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, but the team have been on a major downtrend since.

The Terranga Lions failed to qualify for the next three World Cup finals, while they couldn’t get past the group stage at last four Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal did well to qualify for the 2015 tournament alongside Tunisia, leaving Egypt seven points behind, while they also impressed in the build-up to the Ghana match.

Having recorded 1-0 and 5-2 triumphs over Gabon and Guinea, Alain Giresse’s charges can be backed at 3.75 (11/4) to start the new campaign with a win.

The boss was delighted to see Southampton star Sadio Mane train with his teammates on Friday, but the forward remains doubtful for the opening clash.

Star players Demba Ba, Diafra Sakho and Momo Diame did not even make the tournament squad for one reason or another.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Coundoul – Toure, L.Sane, Djilobodji, Souare – N’Diaye, Kouyate, Diop – N’Doye, Cisse, Sow.