Ghana's new coach Avram Grant on Thursday warned fans of the burden of expectation after his side was given a tough draw in next year's Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The Black Stars line up in Group C with Senegal, South Africa and Algeria for the competition, which gets under way on January 17 in Equatorial Guinea and runs through until February 8.

Former Chelsea boss Grant told a news conference in Accra that he was "very happy" to take on the job as national team coach and described the task ahead of him as a "big challenge".

"I like to win and we will do everything we can to win the 2015 AFCON but that is not the main thing," he said in his first public comments since his appointment was confirmed on November 27.

"It has been mentioned that it's the 'Group of Death' but I must say we want to live, not die."

Grant beat four other international candidates to replace Kwesi Appiah, who was sacked in September after Ghana's disastrous World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Ghana failed to advance beyond the group stages and were rocked by ill-discipline, the suspension of striker Kevin-Prince Boateng and midfielder Sulley Muntari, and a row over appearance money.

Grant has yet to say whether he will bring back both players.

But he added: "The door is open for everyone. They need to show they are willing to play. If they are willing to sacrifice then the door is open to them.

"I will select players based on quality, strong character and their willingness to sacrifice for the nation."