In a dramatic twist at the ongoing 2026 U-17 AFCON, former Ghana U-17 coach Laryea Kingston guided Uganda past the Black Starlets to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after an 8-7 penalty shootout victory following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Ghana looked set for victory after goals from Eric Gyamfi and Abdul Latif Wunzalgu handed the Starlets the lead, but late defensive lapses once again proved costly as Uganda fought back to force penalties in the playoff clash.
The Black Starlets created several chances to seal the game but failed to convert them, allowing Uganda to stay in the contest before edging the shootout.
The result means Uganda joins Mozambique to complete Africa’s 10 representatives for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Despite Ghana’s heartbreaking exit, Abdul Latif Wunzalgu was named Man of the Match, though the forward showed little excitement after the defeat.
“I feel sad though because we couldn’t play the penalty well. Everything is sad” he said in a post game interview with CAF media.
Kingston resigned from his role as Black Starlets head coach in controversial fashion, where he stated that the “environment wasn’t healthy”. Several reports linked his resignation to interference with his work.
“I feel sad though, because we couldn’t play the penalty well. Everything is Sad 😭”
Laryea Kingston really worry this guy. 😂 Eiii Ghana! Uganda?😪 pic.twitter.com/tYYZ90UuVy
— 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐒𝐄 (@Evans_Adjokatse) May 23, 2026
🎥 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
