Uganda sealed qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after edging Ghana 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 play-off on Saturday.
The Cubs looked destined for elimination after Ghana held a late lead, but Arafat Ibanda converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 90+1 minute to force the match into spot-kicks.
Coached by Ghanian Laryea Kingstone, Uganda held their nerve in the shootout, converting all eight penalties, while Ghana’s Joseph Kpoeti missed the decisive kick to hand the East Africans a historic qualification.
The result confirmed Uganda as one of Africa’s 10 representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, joining Mozambique who also advanced through the play-offs.
Ghana had made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute through Emmanuel Gyamfi after good work from Latif Wunzalgu.
Uganda responded before the break when Owen Mukisa equalised in the 34th minute to leave the sides level at halftime.
The Black Starlets regained the advantage shortly after restart, with Wunzalgu turning scorer in the 51st minute after assisting the opener.
Ghana appeared set to qualify as they defended their lead deep into added time, but Uganda were awarded a late penalty which Ibanda calmly converted to level matters at 2-2.
The tense shootout saw both teams convert repeatedly before Kpoeti’s miss proved costly for Ghana.
John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Babi Abdulshakur Bashir, Brian Olwa, Ibanda, Mujaid Mbalire, Musa Suuna and Travor Mubiru all scored for Uganda in the shootout.
Uganda’s qualification completed Africa’s line-up for the global tournament alongside Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Tanzania, Algeria and Mozambique.
For Ghana, it was a heartbreaking exit after narrowly missing out on an automatic quarter-final spot earlier in the competition.
It’s back to back qualification for the Uganda Cubs who also qualified for the U17 World Cup last year in Qatar under coach Brian Ssenyondo.
Uganda Cubs lineup
Starting XI – Ashraf Lukyamuzi, Enock Mwesigwa, Suuna Musa, John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Owen Mukisa, Shakur Ngobi, Travor Mubiru, Nicholas Kawooya, Arafat Ibanda, Mujad Mbalire
Substitutes – Ibrahim Waita, Abdulshakur Babi, Thomas Ogema, Fahad Ismail, Eric Isabirye, Reagan Lwanga, Adrian Mukwanga, Brian Olwo, Edrine Kiddu, Yusuf Ssenyonga
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