The Uganda Cubs booked their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after a dramatic 2-2 draw with the Ghana Black Starlets, eventually winning 8-7 on penalties in a match that will be remembered for a rare moment of brilliance from captain Owen Mukisa.
Ghana struck first inside the opening 10 minutes through Eric Gyamfi, taking advantage of a fast start that left Uganda briefly unsettled. But what followed shifted the entire rhythm of the game.
Midway through the first half, Mukisa produced something seen only occasionally in elite football. From a corner kick, he sent the ball curling directly towards goal, deceiving the Ghana goalkeeper and bending it straight into the net. The rare nature of a direct corner goal immediately changed the atmosphere, pulling Uganda level and injecting belief into their play.
From that moment, Uganda grew into the match with far greater confidence and control. The goal did not just equalise the score, it altered momentum, with the Cubs settling into possession and competing higher up the pitch.
After the break, Uganda continued to push and came close through John Owino, whose powerful effort struck the crossbar. Despite their pressure, Ghana regained the lead when Abdul Latif finished off a flowing move involving Gyamfi and Clement Agyei.
Uganda’s response again showed resilience. Late pressure forced a VAR review that led to a handball decision, and Arafat Ibanda calmly converted from the spot to level the match at 2-2 and send it to penalties.
In the shootout, the Cubs kept their composure as John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Abdulshakur Babi, Brian Olwa, Ibanda, Mujad Mbalire, Musa Suuna and Travor Mubiru all scored. Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi then made a decisive save before Mubiru converted the winning penalty to confirm qualification for the FUFA side and a second consecutive World Cup appearance.
