Ghana’s Black Starlets were eliminated from the 2026 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday after losing a drawing of lots to Algeria in Rabat, Morocco, ending their run in the group stage despite finishing with four points.
The Starlets closed Group D with a commanding 3-1 victory over South Africa in their final match but could not secure automatic progression. Algeria also accumulated four points in the group, despite a 2-1 loss to Senegal in their last game. Senegal finished top and advanced directly to the quarterfinals.
With Ghana and Algeria equal on points, goals scored, goals conceded and goal difference, and their earlier group meeting having ended 2-2, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations provided no further basis for separation. A drawing of lots settled the tie.
The method, also known as casting lots, produces a random and impartial outcome when conventional sporting criteria cannot distinguish two sides. Identical items are placed into a container and drawn at random. Algeria came out of the draw and secured a quarterfinal place alongside automatic qualification to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under-17 World Cup.
Ghana retain a route to the global tournament through the playoff stage. The Black Starlets will face Uganda in a decisive match for a World Cup berth. Uganda are managed by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston, who previously served as head coach of the Black Starlets before taking charge of the East African side.
