Uganda qualified for the U-17 World Cup after beating Ghana 8-7 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw in their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 play-off.
The Cubs looked to be heading out after Ghana led deep into added time, but Arafat Ibanda scored a 90+1 minute penalty to force the match into a shootout.
Uganda then converted all eight of their penalties, while Ghana missed their final kick through Joseph Kpoeti to suffer a painful end to their campaign.
The victory means Uganda join Mozambique as the two teams to qualify through the play-off route, completing Africa’s 10 representatives for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The eight U-17 AFCON quarter-finalists — Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Tanzania and Algeria — had already booked their World Cup places.
Ghana made a strong start and went ahead in the ninth minute when Emmanuel Gyamfi finished after being set up by Latif Wunzalgu.
Uganda responded before half-time, with Owen Mukisa scoring in the 34th minute to bring the Cubs level at 1-1.
The Black Starlets restored their lead six minutes after the restart when Wunzalgu, who had assisted the opening goal, turned scorer in the 51st minute.
Ghana then tried to protect their advantage, but Uganda continued to push for a way back into the match.
Their pressure was finally rewarded in added time when Ibanda converted from the penalty spot in the 90+1 minute to make it 2-2 and send the contest to penalties.
The shootout was tense, with both teams showing remarkable composure.
For Ghana, Joseph Narbi, Mark Mensah, Latif Wunzalgu, Michael Nyantakyi, Isaac Barfo, Augustine Appiah and Gavi Yao all scored from the spot.
But Kpoeti missed Ghana’s eighth penalty, giving Uganda the chance to complete the win.
Uganda were flawless from the spot, with John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Babi Abdulshakur Bashir, Brian Olwa, Ibanda Arafat, Mujaid Mbalire, Musa Suuna and Travor Mubiru all converting.