The Black Starlets will have to play in a playoff for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup after losing out to Algeria through the drawing of lots at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana and Algeria finished level on points and goal difference, forcing tournament organizers to resort to a drawing of lots to determine which team would advance and secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.
In a cruel twist of fate, the draw went in Algeria’s favour, ending Ghana’s hopes of progressing further in the competition. Ghana finished third with 4 points after a 3-1 win over South Africa in their final group game.
The result means head coach Prosper Ogum and his players miss out on qualification despite matching Algeria’s record in the group stage.
Adding further intrigue to the tournament, Ghana will faced Laryea Kingston’s Uganda side in a playoff for a World Cup place. Kingston, a former Black Starlets coach, was in charge of the Ghana team before Ogum’s appointment.
The Black Starlets’ campaign comes to a painful end, with the drawing of lots proving decisive after they were unable to separate themselves from Algeria through points or goal difference.
The outcome marks another disappointing chapter for Ghana at youth level, as one of Africa’s most successful U-17 nations continues their search for third AFCON title since 1999.
