Uganda kept their FIFA U-17 World Cup dream alive in dramatic fashion after snatching a crucial playoff spot on the final day of Group B action at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.
The East Africans produced one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser in the 104th minute to secure a 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire and finish third in the group with four points.
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Heading into the decisive encounter, Uganda needed a positive result to stand any chance of progressing to the playoff stage, while Côte d’Ivoire were chasing top spot after already securing qualification.
The Young Elephants made a bright start and took the lead in the 25th minute through Koudougnon Drebo, who struck superbly to put the Ivorians ahead.
Uganda, however, responded with resilience and determination. Henry Muhoozi restored parity in the 41st minute to ensure the teams went into the break level. Côte d’Ivoire regained control after halftime and looked set to claim victory when Souleymane Kone made it 2-1 in the 79th minute.
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With time running out, Uganda pushed forward desperately in search of a lifeline. Their persistence finally paid off deep into stoppage time when the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Arafat Ibanda calmly converted in the 90+14th minute to spark wild celebrations among the Ugandan players and technical bench.
The draw saw Côte d’Ivoire finish top of Group B with seven points, while Cameroon secured second place and direct qualification after edging DR Congo 1-0 thanks to Omar Tsombeng’s first-half stoppage-time goal.
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Elsewhere in Group A, hosts Morocco defeated Egypt 2-1 to finish top of the standings and advance alongside the Young Pharaohs to the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Ethiopia kept their hopes alive with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Tunisia, courtesy of Binyam Abrah’s stoppage-time winner.
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