In the biggest plot twist so far at the ongoing 2026 Under 17 AFCON, former head coach of Ghana’s National Men’s Under 17 team-the Black Starlets- Laryea Kingston denied Ghana from qualifying to the Under 17 FIFA World Cup after leading Uganda to clinch an 8-7 win in a penalty shootout after drawing 2-2 in regulation time.
Ghana held the game’s lead thanks to goals from Eric Gyamfi and Abdul Latif Wunzalgu but the Starlets conceded late again in the tournament to miss out on the win and settled for a draw despite creating numerous chances in the playoff tie. (Scroll down to watch video)
By beating Ghana, Uganda joined Mozambique to complete the list of Africa’s 10 representatives in the upcoming world event that takes place in Qatar in November this year.
Despite the crushing loss, Ghana’s Abdul Latif won the Man of the Match Award but was in no mood to celebrate winning the award.
“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
