Black Starlets’ U-17 World Cup dream shattered after penalty shootout defeat to Laryea Kingston's Uganda

Ghana’s Black Starlets have been denied a place at the 2026 U-17 World Cup after suffering a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to Uganda in a tense playoff clash that ended 2-2 after extra time.

Uganda edged the contest 8-7 on penalties in a match defined by twists, momentum swings and late drama, after both sides traded blows across 120 minutes of intense football.

Ghana struck first when rising talent Eric Gyamfi finished clinically in the ninth minute, firing through the legs of goalkeeper Lukyamuzi after being left unmarked at the back post.

Uganda responded by switching to a back three, a tactical change that quickly shifted the rhythm of the game. Owen Mukise went close with a powerful strike that forced a sharp save from Ghana goalkeeper John Annan before the Ugandan captain eventually drew his side level, scoring directly from a corner 12 minutes before half-time.

The momentum stayed with Uganda after the restart, with John Owino rattling the crossbar early in the second half. However, Ghana regained the lead against the run of play when Abdul Latif converted from close range after Gyamfi’s cross caused confusion in the Ugandan defence.

Late pressure from Uganda paid off when a handball in the box by Ghana right-back Nicholas Asumang was spotted after a VAR review. Ibanda Arafat kept his composure from the spot, sending Annan the wrong way to force a 2-2 draw.

With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the match went to penalties, where Uganda held their nerve to win 8-7 and secure qualification.

It marks only the second time Uganda have reached the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while Ghana’s campaign ends in disappointment after four matches, producing one win, two draws and one defeat, with seven goals scored and six conceded.