The Ghana Black Starlets played to a 2-2 draw against Algeria in their opening Group D match at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.

Ghana took an early lead at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, scoring twice within the first ten minutes.

Gavi Yao opened the scoring in the third minute following an error by the Algerian goalkeeper, and Eric Gyamfi doubled the lead in the 10th minute with a long-range chip.

Algeria responded in the second half, scoring twice in a three-minute span.

Adam Benali scored in the 57th minute, followed by an equaliser from Zaidi in the 60th minute.

Algeria had an opportunity to take the lead in the 67th minute after being awarded a penalty, but Ilyas Grini missed the target.

The match ended in a draw, earning both teams one point. Ghana's next Group D fixture is against Senegal.