The Uganda Cranes will host Libya on Tuesday, 29th September 2026, at Hoima City Stadium, seeking to build on their opening 1-1 draw against Tunisia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA qualifiers.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.
With the hosts automatically qualified for the tournament, the encounter provides Uganda with an opportunity to assess its squad, integrate new players and strengthen preparations for upcoming international assignments.
Head coach Paul Put expressed satisfaction with the team’s reception in Hoima but acknowledged the challenges posed by a demanding travel schedule following their trip to Tunisia.
‘We had a long travel to go to Tunisia, play in Tunisia in only two days preparation, then came back. We delayed, so the players were very tired yesterday. Today we are going to see on training how the reaction is, and then we have to be ready for the game tomorrow,’ he said.
The Belgian tactician noted that the players remain motivated and are eager to deliver a positive result in front of the home supporters.
Put also called for patience as the new additions continue adapting to the team, emphasising that integration requires time.
‘First of all, we have to be patient with the new players, because they are only here for two days. So integration is always important. Integration always takes time,’ he added.
The Libya fixture will also contribute to Uganda’s preparations for two upcoming friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo in South Africa.
Put explained that the technical team has been working to strengthen the squad following the challenges encountered against stronger opposition at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
‘We have to be honest. We played AFCON. I think before AFCON, we did it very well, the team. We did good results in the World Cup, also for our qualification. But in AFCON, we had to be realistic. And if we played the big teams, we had it difficult,’ he said.
‘We have been trying to reinforce the team. And now it’s also on them to prove that they really can reinforce the team.’
Captain Denis Onyango welcomed the opportunity to play at Hoima City Stadium for the first time, describing the venue as impressive and expressing the team’s determination to make it a strong home ground.
‘First of all, we want to thank everyone who made it possible for us to be here. And of course, to the beautiful stadium, because it’s my first time as well at the stadium. It’s amazing, and we can’t wait for the game tomorrow,’ Onyango said.
The experienced goalkeeper acknowledged the travel challenges but insisted that the team must remain focused on the task ahead.
‘Of course, as the coach said, a little bit of hiccups here and there in terms of our travelling, but the opposition as well also face the same challenge. So it can never be an excuse. We just need to play the game, because at the end of the day we have to play the game,’ he added.
Onyango said the players are determined to deliver a positive result in Uganda’s first international fixture at the Hoima venue.
‘First game in Hoima for the national team. But we just want to make it a fortress and try and get the results that everyone expects us to get.’
The Uganda Cranes will be looking to make the most of home advantage as they continue building towards future competitive assignments.
