Watch highlights: Algeria 2-2 Ghana – 2026 U-17 AFCON

Ghana’s Black Starlets threw away a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw against Algeria U-17 in their Group D opener at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.

The Starlets exploded out of the blocks at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, taking firm control inside 10 minutes. Gavi Yao opened the scoring in the third minute, punishing a costly error from the Algerian goalkeeper, before Eric Gyamfi doubled the advantage with a sublime long-range chip that caught the crowd by surprise.

At 2-0, Ghana were dominant, dictating tempo and carrying a comfortable lead into halftime.

But the contest shifted dramatically after the restart. Algeria responded with urgency and were rewarded in the 57th minute when Adam Benali finished off a well-worked move. The momentum swung fully in their favour moments later as Melwane Zaidi struck in the 60th minute to restore parity.

Ghana were fortunate to avoid falling behind when Ilyas Grini blazed a 67th-minute penalty over the bar, sparing Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side.

Both teams chased a winner in an open finale, but neither could deliver the decisive blow.

The result leaves Ghana with one point and work to do ahead of a decisive Group D clash against Senegal.

See highlights below:

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇩🇿 2-2 🇬🇭

Down by two and refusing to quit. Algeria fought back to earn a point against Ghana. 🤝#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/iORTTPKGky

— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) May 14, 2026