By 
Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Cubs, settled for a FIFA U-17 World Cup playoff place following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire in their final Group B match at the U-17 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Needing a positive result to keep their World Cup hopes alive, Uganda showed tremendous fighting spirit to rescue a point deep into stoppage time and stay in contention for qualification.
Already assured of a place in the next round, Côte d’Ivoire started brightly and took the lead in the 25th minute through Koudougnon Drebo, whose powerful strike gave the Young Elephants a deserved advantage.
Uganda responded well and found an equaliser just before halftime when Henry Muhoozi scored in the 41st minute to make it 1-1 at the break.
After halftime, Côte d’Ivoire regained control and looked set to claim victory when Souleymane Kone restored their lead in the 79th minute.
However, Uganda refused to give up. Deep into stoppage time, the Cubs earned a penalty following a VAR review after a chaotic moment inside the Ivorian penalty area.
Arafat Ibanda held his nerve and converted from the spot in the 90+14th minute to spark wild celebrations and secure Uganda a crucial draw.
The result saw Côte d’Ivoire finish top of Group B with seven points, while Uganda settled for a playoff place as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
