Algeria and Ghana played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their U23 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round on Friday evening.

The match was held at the Stade 19 Mai 1956 in Annaba, Algeria, and saw both teams put in a strong performance, setting up a thrilling second leg in Kumasi.

Ghana took the lead in the second half with a sensational long-range effort from Fatawu Issahaku. The midfielder collected the ball in his own half and spotted the Algerian goalkeeper off his line, before unleashing a powerful shot that sailed over his head and into the back of the net. It was a stunning goal and one that gave Ghana the lead.

However, Algeria responded well to going behind and began to dominate possession as they searched for an equaliser. They were eventually rewarded for their persistence late in the game with a penalty which they converted. Before that, goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim had pulled off a brilliant save to deny Algeria from the penalty spot.

Both teams will now turn their attention to the second leg, which will be played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

With a place at the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the Olympic Games in Paris on the line, it promises to be a thrilling encounter. Ghana will be buoyed by their strong performance in the first leg.