Denis Onyango Stands Tall as as Uganda Sink Libya at New-Look Hoima Stadium

Uganda climbed to the summit of Group H in their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign following a gritty 1-0 victory over Libya at the Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday.

Debutant Arnold Vula proved to be the match-winner, scoring the only goal of the contest to secure all three points for Paul Put’s side and take them to four points from their first two fixtures.

The Cranes established early control through aggressive wide play, with full-backs Nathan Asiimwe and Aziz Kayondo constantly pushing forward. However, a defensive lapse from Rogers Ochaki Torach in the 10th minute gifted Libya a clear opening, only for veteran shot-stopper Denis Onyango to rush off his line and deny Ezzeddin Elmaremi.

Uganda responded with attacking thrusts of their own. Allan Okello unlocked the Libyan backline with a pinpoint pass to the overlapping Asiimwe, whose dangerous cross found no takers in the box.

At the other end, Onyango was called upon again midway through the first half, pulling off a sharp reflex save from close range to frustrate Ezzeddin once more.

The hosts pressed for an opener before the interval. Rogers Mato saw a curling strike drift inches wide of the upright, before a vital intervention from Libyan defender Ali Yousuf Abraheem thwarted Vula following another slick move orchestrated by Okello and Asiimwe.

Coach Put reshuffled his attack just before the hour mark, withdrawing goalscorer Vula in favour of Kevin Owusu Boateng. Libya had a golden chance to draw level in the 75th minute, but Ezzeddin inexplicably missed the target from point-blank range with an empty net gaping.

To preserve the lead and inject fresh energy on the counter, Put introduced Denis Omedi for Okello in the 78th minute and brought on Allan Oyirwoth for Mato in the closing stages. Uganda held firm through the final whistle to claim a crucial victory on home soil.