Ghana and holders Senegal were both held to 1-1 draws by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic respectively in their opening matches at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Friday.
The Black Satellites faced DR Congo in a Group C clash under the floodlights at the New Suez Stadium, after Senegal had battled CAR at the same venue.
Four-time champions Ghana had to come from behind to earn a point after Samuel Ntanda’s header gave DR Congo a surprise 16th-minute lead.
Ghana responded through Musibau Aziz eight minutes later but despite sustained pressure in the second half, they could not secure all three points.
In the earlier contest, Senegal found the breakthrough in the 49th minute after a goalless first half.
Cheikh Thiam rose high to meet a cross from Yaya Diémé and powered a header into the top left corner, giving the defending champions a deserved lead.
Substitute Diogène Pengazonia brought CAR level, latching onto a through ball from Jores Mbaïgoto and calmly slotting past the goalkeeper in the 74th minute.
Senegal will next face Ghana in a West African duel, while CAR will be up against DR Congo, with both games billed for Monday.
