Ghana eliminated from U17 AFCON quarter-finals after drawing of lots

Ghana have been eliminated from the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations after losing a drawing of lots against Algeria on Wednesday in Rabat.

The Black Starlets defeated South Africa 3-1 in their final Group D match to finish the group stage with four points, but it was not enough to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stage.

Algeria also finished on four points after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Senegal, who topped the group and advanced directly to the quarter-finals.

Ghana and Algeria ended the group stage level on goals scored, goals conceded and goal difference, while the head-to-head meeting between the two sides had also failed to separate them following their 2-2 draw earlier in the competition.

According to CAF regulations, the final qualification place was therefore decided by drawing of lots.

Algeria were drawn first and consequently advanced to the quarter-finals and secured automatic qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Despite missing out on the knockout stage, Ghana still have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through the playoff round.

The Black Starlets will now face Uganda, coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston and ex-Black Starlets coach, in a decisive playoff for a place at the global tournament.