Uganda qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup under Laryea Kingston’s leadership as Ghana’s Black Starlets fall short

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has masterminded Uganda’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, defeating Ghana’s Black Starlets in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure one of Africa’s final berths.bf14e6
The Uganda Cubs edged Ghana 8-7 on penalties following a hard-fought playoff encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Uganda twice came from behind before prevailing in the shootout, marking a historic achievement for the East African nation.7b6c01
This marks only the second time in Uganda’s football history that the U-17 team has reached the global youth showcase. The victory represents a significant milestone for Ugandan youth development and a poignant moment for Kingston, who previously coached Ghana’s Black Starlets.e11713
Kingston’s Journey and Impact
Kingston, a former Black Stars winger, took charge of Uganda’s junior teams (U-15, U-17, U-20, and U-23) in late 2025. His tenure has been marked by impressive results, including a strong showing at the U-17 AFCON where Uganda recorded notable victories, such as a commanding 3-0 win over DR Congo.acfbe3
The playoff against Ghana carried extra emotional weight. Prosper Narteh Ogum, who succeeded Kingston as Black Starlets coach, faced his predecessor in a winner-takes-all clash for a World Cup ticket. Ghana had earlier secured a playoff spot after failing to advance automatically from the group stages.764417
In post-match reactions and buildup, Kingston emphasized the broader significance for Ugandan football:
“It would be massive for Ugandan football. For the players, it would be an opportunity to test themselves on the world stage and gain invaluable experience. For the country, it would show that the youth development structures are moving in the right direction.”4c5ad1
Context for Both Nations
Uganda will join teams like Argentina, Australia, and Denmark in Group C at the 2026 tournament. For Ghana, the defeat extends a challenging period at the U-17 level; their last World Cup appearance was in 2017. The Black Starlets had shown promise with wins, including against South Africa, but ultimately fell short in the decisive playoff.7e8f52
The result has sparked discussions in Ghanaian football circles, with some noting the irony of a former national youth coach denying his home country a place on the global stage.0bc21a
Kingston’s success highlights the value of cross-border coaching expertise and investment in youth structures. For Uganda, it validates FUFA’s decision to appoint the experienced Ghanaian and signals growing ambition in African youth football.
Congratulations to the Uganda Cubs and Coach Laryea Kingston on this landmark qualification! The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar promises exciting competition for the young Cranes.