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Published: May 24 2026
Published at: 7:46am
Story by Saibu Terry
The Black Starlets saw their dreams of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup shattered after suffering a painful 8-7 penalty shootout defeat to Uganda U17 National Team in their play-off clash at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ghana made an impressive start to the high-stakes encounter and deservedly took the lead through Eric Adu Gyamfi, whose well-taken goal gave the Starlets early control of the game.
Buoyed by the opener, the Ghanaian side dominated possession and created several attacking opportunities as they searched for a second goal. However, Uganda fought back and equalised before halftime from a corner-kick situation to send the match into the break level at 1-1.
The Starlets returned from recess with renewed determination and regained the lead through Abdul Latif Wunzalgu. His strike appeared to have put Ghana on course for a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Just when qualification looked within reach, Uganda were awarded a late penalty with only minutes remaining. The East Africans converted from the spot to make it 2-2 and force the contest into a dramatic penalty shootout.
Both sides held their nerve during the tense shootout, converting a series of spot-kicks in front of a nervous crowd. In the end, Uganda emerged victorious with an 8-7 win on penalties to book their place at the World Cup.
The heartbreaking result brings Ghana’s impressive campaign in Morocco to an unfortunate end, as Head Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his team miss out on qualification despite a spirited performance.
The Black Starlets will now turn their focus to rebuilding and preparing for the next qualification cycle.
