Uganda Cubs secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Ghana 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout following an exciting 2-2 attract regular time on Friday night time.
Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi emerged as Uganda’s hero after saving Ghana’s eighth penalty earlier than Travor Mubiru calmly transformed the decisive spot-kick to ship the Cubs again to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the second consecutive version.
Ghana’s Black Starlets had taken an early lead by way of Eric Gyamfi within the ninth minute after the ahead completed from shut vary previous Lukyamuzi.
Uganda responded positively after switching to a back-three formation and captain Owen Mukisa restored parity in spectacular style, scoring immediately from a nook kick 12 minutes earlier than halftime.
The Cubs seemed the higher facet after the break and practically went forward when John Owino rattled the crossbar with a strong effort.
Nonetheless, Ghana regained the lead in opposition to the run of play by way of Abdul Latif, who completed off a well-worked transfer created by Gyamfi and Clement Agyei.
With time working out, Uganda earned a lifeline after the referee reviewed a handball incident involving Ghana defender Nicholas Asumang contained in the penalty space. Arafat Ibanda confidently transformed from the spot to degree issues at 2-2 and pressure penalties.
Within the shootout, John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Abdulshakur Babi, Brian Olwa, Arafat Ibanda, Mujad Mbalire, Musa Suuna and Travor Mubiru all transformed their penalties for Uganda.
Lukyamuzi then produced the essential save earlier than Mubiru held his nerve to fireplace Uganda into the FIFA U-17 World Cup as soon as once more.
The achievement marks Uganda’s second successive qualification for the worldwide match after making their historic debut on the earlier version.
Uganda has already been drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Australia and Denmark on the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup.
For Ghana, the defeat extends the Black Starlets’ absence from the FIFA U-17 World Cup to 9 years.
