Ghana’s Black Starlets to Face Uganda in U17 World Cup Qualification Play-off

Accra: Ghana's Black Starlets will face Uganda's Cubs in a decisive FIFA U17 World Cup qualification play-off after finishing third in their respective groups at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The Black Stars concluded their group campaign with a 3-1 victory over South Africa in their final group match. Captain Joseph Narbi scored twice from the penalty spot before substitute Augustine Appiah added a third in the second half. According to Ghana News Agency, Ghana finished third in Group D after tying with Algeria on four points, goals scored, and goals conceded. Algeria advanced as runners-up following a drawing of lots, leaving Ghana to pursue qualification through the play-off route. Uganda also placed third in Group B and will meet Ghana on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in a match that will determine one of the remaining African slots for the tournament. Africa has been allocated 10 places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year. Eight teams that reached the quarterfinals au tomatically secured qualification, while the remaining two tickets will be decided through play-offs involving the four third-placed teams from the group stage. Ghana head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum is expected to intensify preparations ahead of the encounter, with both teams aware that victory will secure a place at the global tournament.