Ghana’s Under 17 (U-17) football team has faced online criticism after losing 8-7 to Uganda on penalties on Saturday, May 23, 2026 during the African Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The backlash followed a decision to substitute a goalkeeper for the shootout who failed to save any of the eight kicks.
The loss came against a Uganda team coached by former Black Stars winger Laryea Kingston.
Public anger has focused on Ghana’s U-17 head coach, Prosper Ogum’s decision to change goalkeepers before the shootout.
A fan commenting under journalist Gary Al-Smith’s Facebook post wrote: “The commentator said he was watching as all 8 penalties went in without doing anything.” Another fan added: “A keeper brought in to save penalty kicks could only watch the balls enter the goal post, tweeaa.”
Gary Al-Smith had earlier confirmed the team’s elimination, posting: “Official: The Black Starlets of Ghana are eliminated!”
Fans questioned the decision to remove the starting goalkeeper. “But wait ooh who asked Prosper Ogum to change the keeper,” Kelvin Ell wrote.
Phill Nana Yaw Flintt stated: “Why not keep the first goalkeeper. The second goalkeeper shaaaaaaa rough.”
Harrison Godsgreat Dunu questioned the move: “But the keeper they brought is what they say is a penalty expect?”
Stevenson Hendricks expressed surprise at the outcome: “I thought the keeper was good at penalties oooo. Hmmmmm.”
Criticism extended beyond the goalkeeper substitution to the team’s overall preparation. “Right preparation mostly produces the right results. You can’t plant a seed of corn today and harvest it just a day. Frafrako association. After all we come and blame the coach,” Paul Kofi Nyame wrote.
Capable Dgreat raised age concerns: “How I miss the old days where football age was different from real age. Nka these players will still be playing Under 10.”
Amid the criticism, midfielder Latif received praise. “Always conceding silly goals, but that Latif boy is really talented,” Amansie Kotoko commented.
The 8-7 shootout defeat to Laryea Kingston’s Uganda eliminates Ghana from the upcoming U-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Coach Prosper Ogum and the technical team are now under intense scrutiny over team selection and in-game decisions.
