The Uganda Cubs are headed to the FIFA U-17 World Cup once again after overcoming Ghana 8-7 in a tense penalty shootout following an entertaining 2-2 draw in regulation time on Friday night.
Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi emerged as the hero for Uganda, producing a vital save in the shootout before Travor Mubiru confidently converted the winning penalty to spark celebrations and confirm the Cubs’ return to the global tournament for a second consecutive edition.
Ghana’s Black Starlets made a bright start and grabbed the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when Eric Gyamfi reacted quickest inside the area to beat Lukyamuzi from close range.
After conceding early, Uganda gradually settled into the contest, with the technical bench switching to a back-three system that helped the Cubs gain more control. Their improvement was rewarded 12 minutes before halftime when captain Owen Mukisa produced a moment of brilliance, curling directly from a corner kick to restore parity.
Uganda returned from the break with renewed energy and looked the more threatening side for long spells. John Owino came close to giving the Cubs the lead when his powerful strike crashed against the crossbar.
Despite Uganda’s dominance, Ghana regained the advantage through Abdul Latif, who finished off a move involving Gyamfi and Clement Agyei against the run of play.
The Cubs, however, refused to give up and found a dramatic late equaliser after the referee awarded a penalty for a handball by Ghana defender Nicholas Asumang following a VAR review. Arafat Ibanda stepped up calmly and converted from the spot to make it 2-2 and send the contest to penalties.
Uganda remained composed in the shootout, with John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Abdulshakur Babi, Brian Olwa, Arafat Ibanda, Mujad Mbalire, Musa Suuna and Travor Mubiru all successfully converting their spot-kicks.
Lukyamuzi then delivered the defining moment by denying Ghana with a crucial save before Mubiru struck the decisive penalty to confirm Uganda’s qualification.
The achievement marks another historic milestone for Ugandan football, as the Cubs secure successive appearances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after making their debut at the previous edition.
Uganda has already been drawn in Group C for the upcoming tournament, where they will face Argentina, Australia and Denmark.
