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Uganda Cubs secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Ghana 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time on Friday night.
Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi emerged as Uganda’s hero after saving Ghana’s eighth penalty before Travor Mubiru calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Cubs back to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the second consecutive edition.
Ghana’s Black Starlets had taken an early lead through Eric Gyamfi in the ninth minute after the forward finished from close range past Lukyamuzi.
Uganda responded positively after switching to a back-three formation and captain Owen Mukisa restored parity in spectacular fashion, scoring directly from a corner kick 12 minutes before halftime.
The Cubs looked the better side after the break and nearly went ahead when John Owino rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort.
However, Ghana regained the lead against the run of play through Abdul Latif, who finished off a well-worked move created by Gyamfi and Clement Agyei.
With time running out, Uganda earned a lifeline after the referee reviewed a handball incident involving Ghana defender Nicholas Asumang inside the penalty area. Arafat Ibanda confidently converted from the spot to level matters at 2-2 and force penalties.
In the shootout, John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Abdulshakur Babi, Brian Olwa, Arafat Ibanda, Mujad Mbalire, Musa Suuna and Travor Mubiru all converted their penalties for Uganda.
Lukyamuzi then produced the crucial save before Mubiru held his nerve to fire Uganda into the FIFA U-17 World Cup once again.
The achievement marks Uganda’s second successive qualification for the global tournament after making their historic debut at the previous edition.
Uganda has already been drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Australia and Denmark at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup.
For Ghana, the defeat extends the Black Starlets’ absence from the FIFA U-17 World Cup to nine years.
