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David GOMBE
Uganda Cubs sealed a slot at this year’s FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup after their triumph over Ghana in the qualification playoff played on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.
The Cubs needed a shootout win after a two-all draw in normal time before Uganda prevailed 8-7 on penalties.
Eric Gyamfi opened the scoring for Ghana in the ninth minute before Uganda levelled matters through captain, Owen Mukisa at the stroke of halftime.
Six minutes into the second half, Abdul Latif gave Ghana the lead once again capitalizing on goalkeeper Lukyamuzi’s mistake.
Arafat Ibanda restored parity for Uganda in stoppage-time to send the contest into penalties.
It should be noted that Ibanda also struck a late equalizer for Uganda against Ivory Coast.
Uganda overcame Ghana 8-7 on penalties with goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi saving Ghana’s eighth penalty before Trevor Mubiru converted the decisive kick to send Uganda to back to back World Cups.
Last year, Uganda made its debut at the tournament that was held in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Mozambique edged Ethiopia 5-4 on penalties after normal time ended 1-1 in the other playoff qualifier.
Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Tanzania, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Uganda and Mozambique are the ten nations that will represent Africa at the global showpiece.
