Ghana will battle Uganda in a crucial playoff match for a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Black Starlets missed a spot in the quarter-finals following a dramatic conclusion to Group D in Rabat.
Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side boosted their hopes with a convincing 3-1 victory over South Africa in their final group match to finish on four points.
However, Algeria also ended the group stage with four points despite suffering defeat against Senegal.
Both teams finished with the same goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded, while their earlier meeting had ended in a 2-2 draw.
With the sides impossible to separate under CAF regulations, a drawing of lots was conducted to determine who would advance to the quarter-finals and secure automatic qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Algeria eventually won the draw to progress, while Ghana were forced into the playoff route.
The Black Starlets will now face Uganda in a high-pressure qualification encounter, with one of the remaining African tickets to the World Cup in Qatar at stake.
The playoff adds extra intrigue as Uganda are coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston, who previously worked with the Black Starlets setup.
The decisive encounter is expected to generate huge attention as both nations chase a place at the global tournament later this year.