Uganda Cubs Stunned Ghana On Penalties To Reach Second Straight U17 FIFA World Cup

Uganda Cubs Stunned Ghana On Penalties To Reach Second Straight U17 FIFA World Cup. 📸 FUFA Media .

The Uganda Cubs produced a night of drama and resilience in the TotalEnergies CAF U17 playoffs, coming from behind twice to defeat Ghana 8-7 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time. The victory seals Uganda’s qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup for the second time in a row, and it carries extra weight given the opponent and the man in the dugout.

Ghana struck early through Eric Gyamfi in the 9th minute, with Latif Wunzalgu providing the assist. Uganda responded before halftime when captain Owen Mukisa scored directly from a corner kick in the 34th minute, catching the Ghanaian defense off guard and leveling the tie.

The back-and-forth continued six minutes into the second half as Ghana reclaimed the lead, this time with Wunzalgu finishing after being set up by Gyamfi.

Late drama defined the closing stages. Deep into stoppage time, VAR spotted a handball in the Ghana penalty area. Ibanda Arafat stepped up in the 91st minute and made no mistake, converting the spot kick to force penalties. In the shootout, goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi emerged as the hero, saving Jacob Kpoeti’s attempt to give Uganda a 8-7 edge and send the Cubs through.

The result also marks a personal milestone for head coach Laryea Kingston.

The former Ghanaian international winger, who once managed the Black Starlets, guided Uganda to World Cup qualification by eliminating his home country. His impact has been clear since taking charge, reshaping the Cubs’ tactical identity and preparing them for high-pressure moments like this playoff.

For Uganda, the win is more than a qualification. It signals growth in youth football and validates the work being done at U17 level. Having now qualified for consecutive U17 World Cups, the Cubs are building a reputation as a side that can compete on the continental stage.

The FIFA U17 World Cup will be held in Qatar from 19th November to 13th December 2026. Uganda will head there with belief, having proven they can handle adversity, respond under pressure, and deliver when it matters most.