The Black Meteors of Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by Algeria in the first leg of the U-23 AFCON qualifiers play-off on Friday evening in Anaba.
Ghana had a positive start with some great opportunities. Sporting CP’s Fatawu Issahaku was the face of the Black Meteors in the first ten minutes. He nearly snatched the lead for the visitors during the 23rd minute but his shot was narrowly missed.
Algeria later turned things around to give Ghana a stern test. They started showing some danger signs with a goal bound shot but goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim weathered the storm to save Ghana.
The North Africans continued to press high for a goal. They had a quick counter in the 35th minute but the defenders of the visitors recovered quickly to send the ball out to throw.
Despite the pressure, Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s boys were able to hold the Algerians in the first 45.
In the second half, the tempo switched on both sides and with the game finely poised, Algeria won a penalty but Danlad Ibrahim weathered the storm once again to deny Benkrar Mounsef the chance to put his side ahead.
However, Ghana finally broke the deadlock in the 88th with a long range strike from Fatawu Issahaku.
The Sporting CP youngster saw the goalkeeper off his mark and drove one in from the center of the field.
Ghana thought they had snatched the maximum points but Issahaku’s goal lasted for just five minutes. The hosts were awarded a second penalty during the 93rd. Bekkouche Chemseddine went for the ball and swerved Danlad Ibrahim to restore parity before the final whistle.
But Ghana will be the happier of the two sides ahead of Tuesday’s second leg in Kumasi.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko will be hoping to see the supporters cheering for his team to come out on top as they hope to advance to the U23 Championship and fight for a place to play in the next Olympic Games which will be staged in Paris.
A goalless draw would earn the Black Meteors the ticket to the competition.
Ghana has not qualified for men’s football at the Olympic Games since Athens 2004.
GHANA’S LINE-UP:
Ghana entered the game with a strong line-up. Danlad Ibrahim was named as the captain of the side in the absence of ex-Hearts of Oak forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko also gave Zubairu Ibrahim, Ernest Nuamah, Dominic Nsobila and Samuel Abbey-Ashie Quaye the green light.
