The Uganda Cubs secured a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup play-offs following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire in their final Group B match at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda entered the decisive encounter knowing that a positive result was necessary to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive against an already qualified Côte d’Ivoire side seeking to finish top of the group.
Côte d’Ivoire made a strong start and took the lead in the 25th minute through Koudougnon Drebo whose powerful strike gave the Young Elephants a 1-0 advantage.
The Uganda Cubs responded positively and drew level before the break through Henry Muhoozi in the 41st minute to send the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
After the restart, Côte d’Ivoire enjoyed more possession and regained the lead in the 79th minute when Souleymane Kone finished to make it 2-1.
With time running out, Uganda pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were rewarded deep into stoppage time after the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review inside the Côte d’Ivoire penalty area.
Arafat Ibanda calmly converted the spot kick in the 90+14th minute to rescue a dramatic point for Uganda and spark celebrations among the Cubs.
The result saw Côte d’Ivoire finish top of Group B on seven points while Uganda’s late equaliser secured a FIFA U-17 World Cup play-off place as the Cubs extended their stay in the tournament.
