Uganda Cubs edge Ghana to qualify for 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup

Uganda Cubs secured a berth at this year’s FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup after overcoming Ghana in the qualification playoff played on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.

The tense and closely contested game ended in a two-all draw in normal time, but Uganda edged the shootout 8-7 to seal qualification.

Eric Gyamfi gave Ghana an early lead in the ninth minute, capitalising on a goalkeeping lapse by Ashraf Lukyamuzi, who failed to deal with a cross.

Uganda’s captain, Owen Mukisa, drew the game level shortly before the break, scoring directly from a corner kick.

Six minutes after recess, Abdul Latif fired Ghana back into the lead when he finished from close range.

However, with the game destined for the end, Arafat Ibanda, as he did against the Ivory Coast, scored a stoppage-time penalty to force a draw and thus send the game into a shootout.

In the shootout, Uganda won 8-7 with goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi saving Ghana’s eighth penalty before Trevor Mubiru confidently converted the decisive kick to send Uganda to the World Cup.

This is the second time that Uganda will play at the World Cup, having made their debut last year in Qatar.

In the other World Cup playoff, Mozambique edged Ethiopia 5-4 on penalties after normal time ended 1-1.

Africa will be represented by ten countries at this year’s World Cup, namely: Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Tanzania, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Uganda and Mozambique.

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