For years, Uganda’s dream of becoming a consistent force on the global youth stage felt distant.
On Saturday night in Morocco, the Cubs proved that dream is now a reality.
Uganda’s U-17 national team qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar after defeating Ghana 8-7 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw in a CAF playoff match.
It was another unforgettable night for the Cubs, who showed character and composure to fight back twice before surviving a tense shootout to secure consecutive appearances at the global tournament.
There was added emotion on the Ugandan bench, with coach Laryea Kingston guiding Uganda past his native Ghana in one of the biggest moments of his coaching career.
Ghana made the brighter start and took the lead in the ninth minute through Eric Adu Gyamfi after a swift attacking move.
The Black Starlets controlled possession for long spells, but Uganda gradually settled and found an equaliser in the 33rd minute from a well-worked corner kick by Captain Owen Mukisa that shifted momentum before halftime.
The second half carried the same intensity, Ghana restored their lead through Abdul Latif and looked set to progress, but Uganda refused to surrender.
Then came the decisive moment deep into stoppage time. After a VAR review for handball inside the box, Uganda were awarded a penalty in the 91st minute. Forward Arafat Ibanda calmly converted to make it 2-2 and send the game to penalties.
The shootout quickly turned into a test of nerve. John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Abdul Shakur Babi, Brian Olo, Ibanda, Mujad Mbalire and Musa Suna all converted their penalties as Uganda matched Ghana kick for kick.
Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi then produced the save that changed everything, stopping Ghana in sudden death to hand Uganda the advantage.
Travor Mubiru stepped up moments later and buried the winning penalty to spark celebrations among the Cubs players and technical staff.
Uganda reached the playoff after finishing third in Group B behind Ivory Coast and Cameroon, while Ghana also dropped into the playoffs after finishing third in Group D.
The victory sends Uganda back to the FIFA U-17 World Cup after their debut appearance in 2025, with this year’s tournament set to be hosted in Qatar between November and December.
