Uganda Beat Ghana on Penalties to Reach U-17 World Cup

Late VAR call sends Uganda through as Ghana’s wait goes on

Ghana’s absence from the U-17 World Cup extends to nine years after losing to Laryea Kingston’s Uganda in a dramatic shootout.

A late penalty and shootout win gave Uganda only their second U-17 World Cup qualification, ending Ghana’s hopes once again...

Uganda Edge Ghana in Penalty Shootout

Laryea Kingston’s Uganda side beat Ghana’s U-17 team 8-7 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. A late VAR handball call against Ghana overturned what would have been a winning goal and sent Uganda through to the World Cup.

Nine-Year Wait Continues for Ghana

The loss means Ghana will miss the U-17 World Cup for the ninth year in a row.

Fast Start for the Black Starlets

Ghana opened strongly. Eric Gyamfi put them ahead in the 9th minute, firing home after finding space unmarked at the back post and shooting through goalkeeper Lukyamuzi’s legs.

Uganda switched to a three-man defence and the change worked quickly. Captain Mukise scored directly from the resulting corner to make it 1-1, twelve minutes before half-time.

To the world stage. 🌎

The Cubs are through to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. 🇺🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/rQqAiWHxOL

— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) May 23, 2026

Abdul Latif restored Ghana’s lead in the second half after reacting to a loose ball. Gyamfi created the chance with a cross from the left, which Clement Agyei let run with a clever dummy, leaving Latif to poke it in.

Ghana held the lead as the game entered the final minutes. A place at the U-17 World Cup looked close.

Just before full-time, Uganda coach Laryea Kingston asked the referee to check a possible handball in Ghana’s penalty area using VAR.

The referee agreed to the review and pointed to the spot after watching the footage. Replays confirmed Ghana right-back Nicholas Asumang had handled Mukise’s cross.

Ibanda Arafat took the penalty and sent John Annan the wrong way to level the score. The referee added 10 minutes of stoppage time, but neither team found a winner.

Right before penalties, Ghana coach Prosper Ogum made two changes for the shootout. He brought on goalkeeper Michael Armah for John Annan and substituted Mark Mensah for Nicholas Asumang.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇺🇬 (8)2-2(7) 🇬🇭

Uganda finish stronger in the shootout after a level contest. 🔥#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/Ew7cNTYzV5

— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) May 23, 2026

Uganda kept their composure in the shootout and won 8-7. The result sparked celebrations for Kingston and his players, while the Black Starlets were left devastated on the pitch.

Kingston was once a Black Stars midfielder who won over fans with his energy and skill. He also coached Ghana’s U-17 team in the past. Now in charge of Uganda, he has ended Ghana’s World Cup hopes.

This is only the second time Uganda have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, following last year’s debut.

Ghana’s wait for a return to the U-17 World Cup now stands at nine years. For a country that won the tournament in 1995 and 1999 and once dominated African youth football, the drought highlights how much the youth system has declined.