Cranes Open Hoima City Stadium Era with Libya Victory

What the report says

Uganda’s national football team, the Cranes, opened their run at the new Hoima City Stadium with a 1-0 win over Libya in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Nile Post reported that the match took place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and gave Uganda three points from its first home fixture in Group H, moving the team to four points after two matches.

The decisive goal came late in the first half. Allan Okello delivered a free kick from the left, and debutant Arnold Vula headed in the winner in the 45th minute. Uganda had controlled much of the opening half, while Libya improved after the break and spent long spells on the attack.

According to the report, the Cranes were forced to defend their narrow lead for much of the second half but held firm to secure the clean-sheet victory. The result was Uganda’s first competitive win at Hoima City Stadium and kept the team unbeaten in the qualifying campaign so far.

The wider Group H picture also changed little around Uganda, with Tunisia and Botswana drawing 2-2 in the other match. That left Uganda well placed in the early standings, though the group remains tightly contested as the qualifiers continue.