Uganda Cranes moved to the summit of Group H in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers after edging Libya 1–0 in a tense encounter at Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday.
Arnold Vula marked his Uganda debut in decisive fashion, scoring the only goal of the contest to hand Paul Put’s side a crucial three points from their opening two matches.
The Cranes had to withstand periods of pressure from the visitors, with veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango proving vital to Uganda’s clean sheet.
Onyango produced two important saves in the opening half, denying Ezzeddin Elmaremi in the 10th and 23rd minutes after Libya had exposed gaps in Uganda’s defence.
Uganda, however, carried the greater attacking threat for much of the opening period.
Nathan Asiimwe and Aziz Kayondo repeatedly pushed forward from the full-back positions, while Allan Okello provided creativity from midfield.
Okello came close to unlocking the Libyan defence in the 15th minute when he released Asiimwe into space, but his dangerous cross went untouched inside the box.
Rogers Mato then came within inches of putting Uganda ahead shortly before the interval, curling his effort narrowly wide of the target.
The breakthrough eventually arrived after the restart, with Vula finding the decisive finish to send the home crowd into celebration.
Put made his first change in the 59th minute, replacing Vula with Kevin Owusu Boateng as Uganda adjusted its attacking approach.
Libya came close to restoring parity in the 75th minute when Elmaremi was presented with a golden opportunity from close range, but he somehow failed to convert with the goal at his mercy.
Put responded by adding fresh legs in attack, bringing on Denis Omedi for Okello in the 78th minute before Allan Oyirwoth replaced Mato five minutes from time.
Uganda held firm through the closing stages to secure a valuable victory and climb to four points from two matches, taking early control of Group H.
