Ghana’s Black Starlets have missed out on automatic qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup after losing the drawing of lots to Algeria following the conclusion of Group D at the U-17 AFCON.
The Black Starlets had earlier defeated South Africa 3-1 in their final group game to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Captain Joseph Narbi starred for Ghana with two first-half penalties in the 8th and 42nd minutes to hand the Starlets a strong advantage before halftime.
South Africa reduced the deficit through Thandanani Mhlongo in the 65th minute, but substitute Augustine Appiah restored Ghana’s two-goal cushion late in the game to seal an important victory.
In the other Group D fixture, Senegal defeated Algeria 2-1 to finish as group winners.
The result meant Ghana and Algeria both ended the group stage with four points and an identical +1 goal difference. Both countries were also level on all official tiebreakers, forcing the Confederation of African Football to conduct a drawing of lots to determine who would finish second in the group.
Algeria were eventually drawn first, securing automatic qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup and a quarter-final place at the U-17 AFCON where they will face Tanzania.
The Black Starlets, meanwhile, miss out on automatic qualification and have also been eliminated from the main AFCON knockout competition.
However, Ghana still have one final opportunity to qualify for the World Cup when they face Uganda in a playoff match scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.
