Uganda's national football team, the Cranes, secured a 1-0 victory over Libya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier held at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium. The match marked a significant moment for football in the Bunyoro Sub-region, with thousands of fans attending the historic encounter. Arnold Vula scored the winning goal in the 45th minute, heading Allan Okello's free kick into the back of the net.
The match was the first international football fixture to be played at the Hoima City Stadium, which was constructed by SUMMA as part of Uganda's preparations to co-host the 2027 AFCON tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The stadium, located on 34 acres of land in Kyarwiru Cell, Hoima East Division, is a 20,000-seater multi-purpose facility designed to meet FIFA and CAF international football standards.
The goal scored by Vula was enough to secure victory for the Cranes, who have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as one of the host nations. The team participated in the qualifiers to maintain competitive readiness ahead of the tournament. Both teams arrived at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District on Sunday ahead of the match.
The match was regarded as an important step in the decentralisation of national-team football in Uganda, marking the first competitive international fixture involving the Uganda Cranes to be played outside the Kampala metropolitan area, apart from CECAFA competitions. This milestone highlights the country's efforts to promote football beyond the capital city.
Hoima City Stadium was constructed at a reported cost of 129 million US dollars, financed through Uganda's Petroleum Fund, supported by revenues from the country's oil and gas resources. The facility features VVIP sections, an indoor arena, a swimming pool, modern changing rooms and gyms, volleyball and basketball courts, media conference halls, and a hybrid football pitch.
The stadium's design and construction aimed to meet international standards, including a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, FIFA and CAF offices, referee rooms, training grounds, a media gallery, and parking for nearly 1,000 vehicles. The Uganda-Libya encounter provided an early test of the stadium's capacity to host international football events.
The victory for the Cranes gave fans in Bunyoro an opportunity to watch the national team on home ground, showcasing the region's football enthusiasm and support for the team. The match demonstrated Uganda's readiness to host major football events, including the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Key points
- The Cranes' 1-0 victory over Libya marked a historic moment for football in Uganda's Bunyoro Sub-region.
- The match was the first international football fixture to be played at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.
- The stadium was constructed at a reported cost of 129 million US dollars, financed through Uganda's Petroleum Fund.
