Algeria U17 stage comeback to hold Black Starlets to a draw in AFCON opener

Ghana thought they had the perfect start; Algeria thought they were finished—but by the final whistle, neither side left as winners after a dramatic 2-2 Group D of 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations clash that swung violently from dominance to survival.

The pulsating encounter, played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 3), delivered end-to-end action, early goals, missed chances, and a late penalty miss in a match full of intensity and momentum shifts.

The Black Starlets made a dream start, taking control of the game within the opening minutes.

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Gavi Yao opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, capitalising on an error from the Algerian goalkeeper, before Eric Gyamfi doubled Ghana’s advantage in the 10th minute with a brilliant long-range chipped finish that stunned the Algerian defence.

At that stage, Ghana looked dominant, confident, and in full control of proceedings.

Algeria came out revitalised in the second half and gradually imposed themselves on the contest.

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Their pressure paid off in the 57th minute when Adam Benali pulled one back after being set up by Mahdi Maghlout, shifting the momentum of the match.

Just three minutes later, Zaidi completed the comeback, restoring parity at 2-2 and silencing the Ghanaian lead.

Algeria were handed a golden opportunity to complete the turnaround in the 67th minute after Ghana conceded a penalty.

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However, Ilyas Grini failed to convert, sending his effort over the bar and keeping Ghana level in a crucial turning point of the match.

Nervy Finish Ends All Square.

Both sides pushed aggressively in the closing stages in search of a winner, but solid defending and missed chances ensured the match ended level.

The result leaves both Ghana and Algeria with one point each after an evenly contested and entertaining Group D opener.

The Ghana Black Starlets will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Senegal U17, where they will aim to bounce back with a victory.