The Black Meteors of Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw against Algeria in their CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier first leg at Annaba.

Ibrahim Tanko’s side got a late goal through Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s strike from the halfway line but could not hold on as Algeria got the equaliser late into the game.

Despite a strong show from both teams in the game’s opening half, neither Algeria nor Ghana could open the deadlock as they headed into the break with the score at 0-0.

The second half was more intense as they were actions on both ends of the field but the first clear-cut opportunity was presented to the home side who were awarded a spot kick.

Asante Kotoko goalkeeper, Danlad Ibrahim, was on hand to keep his side in the game as he pulled off a fantastic save to keep the game level.

Minutes later, Issahaku, who was one of the team’s key men ahead of the fixture, combined well with Ernest Nuamah before lofting the ball from the centre-line past the Algerian goalkeeper to give Ghana the lead.

However, in the dying minutes of the game, Tanko’s side gave away another penalty. This time, there was no mistake as the home side scored to level the match.

The first leg ended 1-1 with the return fixture set to be played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Tuesday, March 28.