Uganda Cranes claimed their first victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Libya on Tuesday night at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.
Playing their first competitive international match at the venue, the Cranes secured maximum points courtesy of a debut goal from Arnold Vula, who headed home in first-half stoppage time.
The result takes Uganda to four points from two matches in Group H, following their 1-1 draw against Tunisia in the opening match, and leaves the Cranes at the top of the group.
Vula strikes before the break
Uganda started cautiously and were tested by a determined Libya side in the opening half.
The visitors came close on two occasions to breaking the deadlock, but Cranes captain and goalkeeper Denis Onyango was equal to the task, making crucial interventions to keep Uganda in the contest.
Just when the first half appeared set to end goalless, Uganda found the breakthrough.
Allan Okello delivered a well-weighted free-kick from the left in added time, and Vula rose highest inside the box to head the ball into the net and give Uganda a 1-0 lead.
It was a memorable international debut for the new Cranes forward.
Cranes withstand Libya pressure
Libya returned for the second half looking for an equaliser and made their first substitution in the 55th minute, with Amjad Al-Ghashim replacing Abdulmonaem Okashah.
Uganda responded with their first change in the 59th minute as debutant Kelvin Owusu Boateng replaced Vula, the goalscorer receiving a warm reception after his impressive introduction to international football.
Libya made further changes as the half progressed, while Uganda continued to manage the game and protect their advantage.
Rogers Mato was cautioned in the 77th minute before Uganda made their second change, with Denis Omedi coming on for Okello.
Two minutes from normal time, Allan Oyirwoth replaced Mato as Head Coach Paul Put sought to see out the contest.
Onyango and Cranes defence hold firm
Libya continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the Cranes remained organised and disciplined.
Five minutes of additional time were played, but Uganda held on to register a valuable 1-0 victory and a clean sheet on a memorable night in Hoima.
The victory means Uganda now have four points, while Libya remain on one point after their opening 2-2 draw with Botswana.
What next?
The Cranes will return to AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying action in November when they face Botswana in their next Group H fixture.
Libya, meanwhile, will take on Tunisia as the Group H campaign continues during the November international window.
Uganda’s next two qualifiers are scheduled for the November FIFA international window, with the Cranes facing Botswana on 11 November 2026 before travelling to face Botswana again on 15 November 2026, according to the published qualifying schedule.
For the Cranes, attention now turns to building on the four-point start as the race for the top position in Group H continues.
