U17 AFCON: Ghana Surrender Two-Goal Lead in Thrilling Draw Against Algeria
Ghana national under-17 football team were forced to settle for a dramatic 2-2 draw against Algeria national under-17 football team in their opening Group D fixture at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The pulsating contest, played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, saw the Black Starlets race into an early two-goal advantage before Algeria mounted a strong second-half comeback to rescue a point.
Ghana made a dream start to the encounter and stunned the Algerians with two quick goals inside the opening 10 minutes.
Gavi Yao opened the scoring in the third minute after capitalising on a costly mistake from the Algerian goalkeeper to hand the Black Starlets an early lead.
Moments later, Eric Gyamfi doubled Ghana’s advantage with a spectacular long-range chip that left the Algerian defence helpless.
At that stage, the Black Starlets appeared firmly in control and looked on course for an important opening victory in the highly competitive group.
However, Algeria responded strongly after the interval and gradually shifted the momentum in their favour.
Adam Benali reduced the deficit in the 57th minute after connecting with an assist from Mahdi Maghlout.
The North Africans completed their comeback just three minutes later when Zaidi found the equaliser to level the match at 2-2.
Algeria were then handed a golden opportunity to complete the turnaround in the 67th minute after winning a penalty. But Ilyas Grini failed to convert from the spot, sending his effort over the crossbar to keep Ghana level.
Both sides pushed for a late winner in an entertaining closing period, but neither team could find the decisive breakthrough.
The result leaves Ghana and Algeria with one point apiece after an action-packed opening round fixture in Group D.
The Black Starlets will now shift attention to their next group match against Senegal national under-17 football team as they continue their quest for qualification to the knockout stage.
