Ghana’s Black Starlets crashed out of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under-17 Men’s World Cup on Sunday after losing a dramatic penalty shootout 8-7 to Uganda, who were coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston.
Eric Adu Gyamfi gave the Black Starlets a promising start, finishing calmly in the ninth minute to put Ghana in control. Uganda gradually worked their way back into the contest and levelled in the 33rd minute, converting from a corner kick after their captain delivered a dangerous delivery into the box.
Ghana responded with purpose after the interval and retook the lead early in the second half, appearing on course for qualification. Uganda, however, refused to yield and broke Ghanaian hearts in the 90th minute, earning and converting a penalty to force a shootout.
The spot-kick contest proved agonising for the Black Starlets, who were edged out 8-7 in an extended sequence that ultimately ended Ghana’s World Cup hopes.
The defeat carries a sharp irony. Kingston, one of Ghana’s most celebrated former wingers, masterminded the elimination of the country that launched his career, steering Uganda to progression at Ghana’s expense.
Ghana will now miss the FIFA U-17 World Cup entirely.
