The Uganda Cranes have achieved a historic 1-0 win over Libya in their 2027 AFCON Qualifiers match at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium. This was the first-ever competitive national team match hosted at the stadium, and the Cranes made it a memorable one with a debutant scoring the winning goal. Arnold Vula, a Belgian-based forward, headed home a free-kick from Allan Okello in first-half stoppage time. The win marks Uganda's first victory in the qualifiers and puts them at the top of Group H.
The match began with Libya creating scoring opportunities, with Ezzeddin Elmaremi threatening the Ugandan defence twice. However, veteran captain Denis Onyango made two crucial saves to keep Uganda in the game. The Cranes' defence held strong against Libya's attacks, and the team managed to protect their lead throughout the second half. With this win, Uganda moves to four points in Group H, following a 1-1 draw away to Tunisia in their opening game.
The historic match at Hoima City Stadium was attended by a capacity crowd of 18,000 fans, who created a loud and passionate atmosphere. The streets of Hoima City were filled with fans waving Cranes flags and singing the team's anthem. Local leaders believe that the stadium will boost business, hotels, and tourism in Hoima City. The decision to host the match in Hoima was made by FUFA to bring the game closer to the people of Bunyoro and Western Uganda.
The winning goal was scored by Arnold Vula, a debutant who qualifies to represent Uganda through his grandmother from Pakwach. Vula plays for K. Beerschot VA in Belgium and rose highest in first-half stoppage time to head home a perfectly delivered free-kick from Allan Okello. The goal marked a memorable debut for Vula and secured the win for the Cranes.
Coach Paul Put praised the Hoima crowd for their incredible support, saying that the energy from the stands helped the team defend until the end. The coach expressed his satisfaction with the win and the team's performance. The Cranes will now face Botswana next month, continuing their campaign at the top end of Group H.
The victory confirms that Hoima City is ready to host major national team matches. The stadium, which was newly constructed, proved to be a fortress for the Cranes, with the team securing a hard-fought win. The match was a memorable experience for both the players and supporters, and local leaders believe that it will have a positive impact on the local economy.
The journey to AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania, has started with hope for the Cranes. The team has written its first chapter in golden letters with this historic win at Hoima City Stadium. The Cranes will continue their campaign next month, and fans are optimistic about their chances of qualifying for the tournament.
Key points
- Uganda Cranes secure first 2027 AFCON Qualifiers win with 1-0 victory over Libya
- Debutant Arnold Vula scores winning goal in historic match at Hoima City Stadium
- Win puts Uganda at top of Group H with four points
