Rabat: The Black Starlets' hopes of making it to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup were dashed after an 8-7 penalty shootout loss to Uganda, following a gripping 2-2 draw in their play-off match at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
According to Ghana Web, the Starlets began the match on a strong note with Eric Adu Gyamfi scoring to give Ghana an early lead. The goal bolstered the team's confidence, allowing them to control much of the game as they pressed for additional goals.
Uganda, however, managed to equalize before the half-time whistle, capitalizing on a corner-kick to make it 1-1. After the break, Ghana regained the lead through Abdul Latif Wunzalgu, a goal that seemed poised to secure their spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
In a dramatic turn of events, Uganda was awarded a penalty five minutes before the end of the match, which they converted to bring the score to 2-2 and push the game into a penalty shootout. The shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, with both teams successfully converting most of their kicks. Ultimately, Uganda emerged victorious with an 8-7 scoreline, clinching their place in the World Cup.
The defeat was a significant blow to the Black Starlets, whose spirited performance in Morocco will now be a stepping stone as they look towards future qualification opportunities. Head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his team will need to regroup and focus on the next cycle.