BREAKING: Uganda Cubs Edge Ghana on Penalties to Qualify for World Cup

Saturday, May 23
Uganda 2(8-7)2 Ghana

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The Uganda U-17 boys’ national football team, the Uganda Cubs, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar after defeating Ghana 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday night.

The playoff encounter ended 2-2 in normal time before Uganda held their nerve in the shootout to secure qualification for the global tournament.

Both Uganda and Ghana finished third in their respective groups at the AFCON U-17 Championship, forcing them into a playoff battle for a place at the World Cup.

Ghana took the lead as early as the ninth minute through Eric Gyamfi, who capitalised on a misjudgment by Uganda goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi from a cross into the box.

Uganda responded before halftime through captain Owen Mukisa, who scored directly from a corner kick to level matters.

Just six minutes into the second half, Ghana restored their lead through Abdul Latif, who was left unmarked inside the box before firing past Lukyamuzi.

Uganda continued pushing for an equaliser and their efforts paid off deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty. Arafat Ibanda calmly converted from the spot to force the match into penalties.

In the shootout, both teams converted their opening five penalties. Uganda then scored their next three spot kicks while Ghana missed one of theirs.

Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi emerged as the hero after saving Ghana’s eighth penalty before Trevor Mubiru confidently converted the decisive kick to send Uganda to the World Cup.

John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Abdulshakur Babi, Brian Olwa, Arafat Ibanda, Mujad Mbalire, Musa Suuna, and Trevor Mubiru all scored their penalties for Uganda.

At the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Uganda has been drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Australia and Denmark.

This marks the second consecutive time Uganda has qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after making their debut appearance in the previous edition.