By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s under‑17 team, the Black Starlets, have been eliminated from the 2026 U‑17 Africa Cup of Nations after losing a drawing of lots to Algeria, following identical records in Group D.
The tie‑breaking lottery came into play because Ghana and Algeria finished level on points, goal difference, goals scored, and with a 2–2 draw head‑to‑head in the tournament.
Group‑stage outcome
Ghana beat South Africa 3–1 in their final match to finish on four points, but that was not enough to overtake Senegal, who topped the group and advanced directly to the quarter‑finals.
Algeria also ended on four points after a 2–1 loss to Senegal, leaving the two teams completely tied on all standard tie‑breakers, including goals scored and conceded, so the final spot went to the country drawn first, Algeria.
Path back to the U17 World Cup
Although Ghana missed out on the AFCON knockout stage, CAF rules still give them a second chance via a playoff route for a place at the 2026 FIFA U‑17 World Cup.
The Black Starlets will now face Uganda, coached by former Ghana international and ex‑Black Starlets boss Laryea Kingston, in a decisive playoff tie that will determine one of the African U‑17 World Cup qualifiers.
For the Black Starlets, the next step is to regroup after the draw‑of‑lots disappointment and treat the Uganda playoff as a must‑win mission to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
