By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 30, 2026
Uganda Cranes moved to the top of Group H in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after defeating Libya 1-0 at a full-capacity Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday.
Debutant Arnold Vula scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time as Uganda held on for victory in a closely contested encounter.
Uganda started brightly, with full-backs Nathan Asiimwe and Aziz Kayondo providing width and pushing forward as the Cranes looked to establish control.
Libya, however, created the first clear opportunity in the 10th minute after Rogers Ochaki Torach failed to clear the danger. Ezzeddin Elmaremi pounced on the loose ball, but Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango came off his line to make the save.
Onyango was called into action again in the 23rd minute, making another important stop to deny Elmaremi from close range.
Vula Breaks the Deadlock
Uganda came close to taking the lead before the break when Rogers Mato curled an effort narrowly wide.
Allan Okello and Asiimwe then combined to create another opportunity for Vula, but Libya defender Ali Yousuf Abraheem made a timely block to prevent the debutant from finishing.
The breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time.
Okello delivered an inviting free-kick from the left, which Vula headed toward the near post to put Uganda ahead and send the home crowd into celebration.
Uganda Holds On
Coach Paul Put made his first substitution in the 59th minute, replacing Vula with Kevin Owusu Boateng as Uganda looked to maintain its attacking threat.
Libya came close to an equaliser in the 75th minute when Elmaremi missed a major opportunity from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Put made two more changes as Uganda managed the closing stages, bringing on Denis Omedi for Okello in the 78th minute.
Allan Oyirwoth then replaced Mato five minutes before full time.
Uganda remained composed in the final stages and held on for a 1-0 victory.
The result moved the Cranes to four points from two matches and placed them at the summit of Group H in the AFCON qualifying campaign.