Ghana’s Black Starlets have missed out on qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup after losing 8-7 on penalties to Uganda following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Ghana took the lead in the ninth minute through Eric Gyamfi, who scored from close range after being left unmarked at the back post.

Uganda responded after switching to a back-three system and equalised 12 minutes before halftime through captain Owen Mukise, who scored directly from a corner kick.

The first half ended 1-1.

Two minutes into the second half, Uganda’s John Owino hit the crossbar with a long-range effort.

Ghana regained the lead against the run of play when Abdul Latif scored from a loose ball after a cross from Gyamfi was dummied by Clement Agyei.

Late in the game, Uganda were awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Ghana defender Nicholas Asumang.

Ibanda Arafat converted the spot kick to make it 2-2.

Neither side scored during the 10 minutes of added time, sending the match to penalties.

Before the shoot-out, Ghana coach Prosper Ogum replaced goalkeeper John Annan with Michael Armah and also introduced Mark Mensah for Nicholas Asumang.

Uganda eventually won the shoot-out 8-7 to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

It is the second time Uganda have qualified for the tournament after first doing so last year.