Ghana will have their chance to open their African Nations Cup campaign on Friday against Ivory Coast as Togo pulls out.

The Black Stars were scheduled to play Togo in the second match in Cabinda on Monday in Group B but the Hawks have left the Angolan enclave for home following Friday’s deadly attack on the Togo team.

The Hawks had sought for a three-day absence but that request has been turned down by the Confederation of African Football, Caf.

Tournament organizers, Caf, says Togo cannot be readmitted once they have pulled out leaving Group B as a three-team group comprising, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

“Ghana is not kicking a ball until Friday due to the absence of our scheduled opponents, Togo,” GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

“We are now focusing on our match against Ivory Coast and that would be a tough game. They would have the advantage of having warmed themselves into the competition because they play Burkina Faso today.

“But we would have to continue preparing and be ready for it.”

Ghana were left without an opponent after the Hawks flew out on Sunday after two members of their delegation had been killed in an attack on their bus by a separatist movement.

The group, however kicks off today with Ivory Coast playing Burkina Faso.