By Simon Asare
Accra, May 21, GNA – Ghana’s Black Starlets will face Uganda’s Cubs in a decisive FIFA U17 World Cup qualification play-off after finishing third in their respective groups at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Black Stars ended their group campaign with 3-1 win over South Africa in their final group match.
Captain Joseph Narbi scored twice from the penalty spot before substitute Augustine Appiah added a third in the second half.
Ghana ended third in Group D after tying with Algeria on four points, goals scored and goals conceded.
Algeria, however, advanced as runners-up following a drawing of lots, leaving Ghana to pursue qualification through the play-off route.
Uganda also placed third in Group B and would meet Ghana on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in a match that would determine one of the remaining African slots for the tournament.
Africa has been allocated 10 places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Eight teams that reached the quarterfinals automatically secured qualification, while the remaining two tickets will be decided through play-offs involving the four third-placed teams from the group stage.
Ghana head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum is expected to intensify preparations ahead of the encounter, with both teams aware that victory will secure a place at the global tournament.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare