Ghana secured third place in Group D after finishing level on points, goals scored, and goals conceded with Algeria. However, the North Africans advanced as group runners-up after winning the drawing of lots, leaving the Black Starlets to battle for one of Africa’s remaining World Cup slots through the play-off route.

Uganda, meanwhile, also finished third in Group B and will now face Ghana in a decisive encounter scheduled for Saturday.

FIFA allocated 10 slots to Africa for the FIFA U17 World Cup to be staged in Qatar later this year.

The eight teams that progressed to the quarter-finals of the U17 AFCON automatically secured qualification to the global tournament. The remaining two slots will now be decided through play-off matches involving the four third-placed teams from the group stage.

As part of the play-off structure, Ghana will face Uganda while the other third-placed teams battle for the final qualification places.

The Black Starlets head into the game with renewed confidence after their impressive 3-1 victory over South Africa in their final group game. Captain Joseph Narbi inspired the team with two well-taken penalties before substitute Augustine Appiah sealed victory with a powerful strike in the second half.

Head Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical team are expected to intensify preparations ahead of the all-important clash as Ghana seeks to secure a return to the FIFA U17 World Cup.

The encounter against Uganda promises to be fiercely contested, with both sides fully aware that victory will guarantee qualification to the biggest youth football competition in the world.