By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Under‑17 side, the Black Starlets, will face Uganda in a do‑or‑die playoff for a spot at the 2026 FIFA U‑17 World Cup after missing out on an automatic qualification to the tournament in Qatar.
The playoff comes after Ghana lost out to Algeria on a drawing of lots at the 2026 U‑17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following a tightly contested Group D.
Why the playoff route opened
Ghana beat South Africa 3–1 in their final group match to reach four points, but Algeria also finished on four points despite a 2–1 defeat to group‑toppers Senegal.
Both teams ended with identical records for goals scored, goals conceded, goal difference, and a 2–2 draw in their head‑to‑head, forcing CAF to use a random draw to decide the lone remaining quarter‑final place; Algeria were drawn first and went through.
Upcoming playoff against Uganda
The Black Starlets must now beat Uganda in a separate playoff to book one of the remaining African tickets to the FIFA U‑17 World Cup in Qatar.
Uganda are coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston, who previously served as Black Starlets boss, adding a personal and tactical storyline to the tie between the two nations.
For Ghana, the meeting with Uganda is a last‑chance opportunity to salvage World Cup qualification after the cruel draw‑of‑lots exit in Morocco and will likely be watched closely by fans and federations across West and East Africa.
