Ghana’s Black Starlets began their U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Algeria at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, in a match that swung sharply after a dominant first-half display from the West Africans.
Ghana made a dream start when Gavi Yao capitalised on an error from the Algerian goalkeeper to open the scoring in the 3rd minute.
The early breakthrough set the tone, and Eric Gyamfi doubled the advantage in the 10th minute with a composed long-range chip that left the opposition goalkeeper stranded, sending Ghana into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
However, the second half belonged to Algeria. The North Africans increased their intensity and found a response in the 57th minute, when Adam Benali finished off a move created by Mahdi Maghlout to reduce the deficit.
Momentum fully shifted just three minutes later as Zaidi struck the equaliser, bringing the game level at 2-2 and setting up a tense final half-hour.
Algeria were then handed a golden opportunity to complete the turnaround in the 67th minute after Ghana conceded a penalty. But Ilyas Grini failed to convert from the spot, blasting his effort over the bar to keep the scores level.
Despite late pressure from both sides in an open and entertaining finish, neither team was able to find a winner.
The result leaves both Ghana Black Starlets and Algeria U-17 national team with a point apiece in Group D.
The Black Starlets will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Senegal on Sunday, May 17, in what is expected to be another demanding test.
