Algeria national under-17 football team produced a spirited second-half comeback to draw 2-2 with Ghana national under-17 football team in their opening Group D clash at the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The exciting encounter took place at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, where Ghana started strongly before Algeria fought back to rescue a point.
Ghana Make Fast Start
Ghana’s Black Starlets burst into action early and stunned Algeria with two quick goals.
Gavi Yao opened the scoring in the 3rd minute before Eric Gyamfi doubled the lead in the 10th minute, with Issah Rafiu providing the assist.
At that stage, Ghana looked firmly in control of the Group D opener.
Algeria Launch Second-Half Comeback
Algeria responded after the break with increased intensity and gradually turned the game around.
Adam Benali pulled one back in the 57th minute after being set up by Mahdi Maghlout.
Just three minutes later, Zaidi scored the equaliser to complete a quick turnaround for the North Africans.
Missed Penalty Adds Late Drama
Algeria were handed a golden opportunity to regain the lead in the 67th minute when Ghana conceded a penalty.
However, Ilyas Grini missed the chance, sending his effort over the bar to keep the scores level.
Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a winner in a tense finish.
Group D Points Shared
Both teams were forced to settle for a point each after a dramatic and evenly contested opening match, setting up an intriguing battle for qualification in Group D.
