The Black Starlets of Ghana have failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup after suffering a heartbreaking 8-7 penalty shootout defeat to Uganda in the qualification playoffs of the U-17 AFCON.
Ghana made a bright start to the game and took the lead after just nine minutes through Eric Adu Gyamfi, with the Ebony FC forward scoring his second goal of the tournament.
Uganda responded strongly and found the equaliser in the 34th minute through Owen Mukisa as the two sides headed into halftime tied at 1-1.
The Black Starlets regained the lead six minutes into the second half when Abdul Latif Wunzalgu found the back of the net to restore Ghana’s advantage.
However, Uganda once again fought back and levelled late in the game after Arafat Ibanda converted from the penalty spot to force the game into a shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Uganda held their nerves to secure an 8-7 victory and book their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled for November.
The painful defeat means Ghana have now gone nine years without qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with their last appearance coming at the 2017 edition in India.
