Black Stars Coach, Kwasi Appiah has downplayed suggestions that he might be under pressure following Ghana's inability to win their opening 2013 Africa Cup of Nation's game with DR Congo in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Ghana relinquished a 2-0 lead to draw with the Leopards and Appiah insist signing-up as head coach of the Black Stars is pressure enough and failing to bag an opening win cannot make matters any worse.

"Once you decide to sign for this job, you sign pressure on your head so that is normal. I always want to do my best, whether I get the results today or later, I want to make sure I have given my best ever."

On the team's capability to live up to the pre-tournament bill as genuine contenders for the elusive fifth African title that spans three decades, Appiah said "we will surprise many people despite our inability to get that win against DR Congo. This team is very young and talented'"

He believes going forward, his charges will have to tighten up their grips on a lead in order to protect them. "The game against DR Congo taught us many lessons. We did not protect the lead. The best form of defence, like we say is to attack."

The Leopards picked a point off the Black Stars despite Emmanuel Agyemang Badu's first half goal and another after recess from Kwadwo Asamoah gave Ghana a 2-0 lead.

The Stars play Mali next on Thursday in a must win encounter after the latter defeated Niger 1-0 in the other Group B game.