U-17 AFCON: Ghana eliminated despite 3-1 win over South Africa in final group game
The Black Starlets of Ghana have been eliminated from the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a rare and dramatic draw of lots decided their fate in Rabat on Wednesday.
Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side ended their group campaign on a high with a convincing 3-1 victory over South Africa, but it was not enough to secure progression from a tightly contested pool.
Algeria also finished level on four points after a 2-1 defeat to group winners Senegal, who advanced directly to the quarter-finals.
With Ghana and Algeria inseparable on points, goals scored, goals conceded, goal difference, and having drawn 2-2 in their head-to-head meeting, CAF regulations required a drawing of lots to determine who advanced.
Algeria were drawn first and went through to the quarter-finals, sealing automatic qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while Ghana were left to rue a marginal exit.
Despite the disappointment, the Black Starlets still have a route to the global stage. They will now face Uganda in a high-stakes playoff, with a World Cup ticket on the line.
The Ugandan side is coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.