A determined Black Metros of Ghana side held hosts Algeria to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the final phase of the U23 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2023 qualifiers on Friday, night.

The highly anticipated encounter was full of intensity and chances. However, the first half ended goalless.

The hosts were awarded a penalty kick in the 78th minute but Danlad Ibrahim pulled off a fantastic save to keep the game level.

Sporting Lisbon lad Fatawu Issahaku scored a sensational goal from the centre circle with a powerful strike to put Ghana in the lead.

The Algerians were once again awarded a penalty in injury time which was converted by the hosts to restore parity.

Ghana will host Algeria in a reverse leg encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Tuesday, March 28.