Ghana Crash Out of FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualification After Uganda Shootout Defeat
Ghana’s Black Starlets have failed to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after suffering an 8-7 penalty shootout defeat to Uganda following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The Starlets made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute through in form forward Eric Gyamfi. Left unmarked at the far post, Gyamfi drilled the ball through the legs of Uganda goalkeeper Lukyamuzi to give Ghana an early advantage.
Uganda responded by switching to a back three formation and quickly began to assert themselves in the contest.
Owen Mukise nearly restored parity when he found space outside Ghana’s penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike that forced goalkeeper John Annan into a fine save.
Mukise eventually drew Uganda level 12 minutes before halftime, scoring directly from the resulting corner kick.
Inspired by the equaliser, Uganda pushed forward in search of another goal, but Ghana managed to hold firm as both sides went into the break level at 1-1.
Uganda resumed the second half strongly and almost took the lead two minutes after the restart when midfielder John Owino struck the crossbar with Annan beaten.
However, against the run of play, Ghana regained the lead through Abdul Latif, who capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area.
The move was initiated by Gyamfi, whose cross from the left was cleverly dummied by Clement Agyei, allowing Latif to slot home from close range.
Uganda continued to press and were awarded a late penalty after coach Laryea Kingston appealed for a review of a handball incident in Ghana’s penalty area.
Following a brief review, the referee pointed to the spot after replays showed right back Nicholas Asumang handled Mukise’s cross.
Ibanda Arafat converted the penalty confidently, sending Annan the wrong way to level the scores once again.
Despite 10 minutes of added time, neither side could find the winning goal, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
In a tactical move before the end of regulation time, Ghana coach Prosper Ogum introduced goalkeeper Michael Armah and Mark Mensah in place of John Annan and Nicholas Asumang respectively ahead of the shootout.
However, Uganda held their nerve to secure an 8-7 victory on penalties and book their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The qualification marks only the second appearance for Uganda at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after making their debut at the tournament last year.
