Uganda U17 Stun Ghana on Penalties to Qualify for FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026
Uganda’s U17 team qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after beating Ghana 8-7 on penalties on Saturday. The match ended 2-2 in regular time after a back-and-forth contest: - Eric Gyamfi put Ghana ahead Owen Mukisa equalized for Uganda, 1-1 at halftime – Abdullatif restored Ghana’s lead Arafat Ibanda scored a late penalty for Uganda to force 2-2 FT' Uganda won the shootout 8-7. Africa’s spots were decided via the U17TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations and playoff matches.
Regina Lalam Olal
Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s U17 national team booked their place at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout win over Ghana on Saturday, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The playoff thriller saw both sides trade goals throughout. Ghana’s Eric Gyamfi opened the scoring in the 9th minute, but Owen Mukisa leveled for the Cubs in the 34th minute to make it 1-1 at halftime. Ghana regained the lead through Abdullatif in the 51st minute, before Uganda responded deep into stoppage time. Arafat Ibanda converted a 90+1 penalty to force a 2-2 finish and send the match to penalties. Uganda held their nerve in the shootout, edging Ghana 8-7 to secure qualification. Africa’s qualification phase was determined through the U17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations and subsequent play-off matches
