Arnold Vula marked his Cranes debut with a winning goal as Uganda edged Libya 1-0 to move top of Group H in the 2027 AFCON Pamoja qualifiers at Hoima City Stadium.
Ismael Kiyonga rates the players and coach Paul Put on the historic day in Bunyoro.
Denis Onyango: Reminded the world how good he still is even in his 40s with a commanding performance, including a one-on-one save in the first half. A leader and coach on the pitch. 8.5
Nathan Asiimwe: Drove well forward in possession, especially in the first half and after just two games, he looks like an established international already. At times, suspect in defending but good display. Â 7.0
Aziz Kayondo: A quiet performance by his standards as he was twice easily beaten by the Libyan no.19. Looked to play through pain all game. 5.0
Tobby Sibbick: Comfortable on the ball, especially in the first half when Cranes was on equal footing. 6.5
Kenneth Ssemakula: Another confident display from Ssemakula in a back three through not always convincing defensively when Libya stepped up their game after the break. 6.0
Rogers Torach: Sloppy first half that led to Libya getting two good chances but a colossus after the break with important blocks that thwarted Libyan attacks. 6.0
Baba Alhassan: The team conductor who dictated tempo of the game for the Cranes. Waned after the break but remained calm in possession. 6.5
Noble Okello: Started well and his ability to play forward made him classy in the opening exchanges but got tired and should have been taken off. 6.0
Allan Okello: He delivered an excellent cross from a free kick which Vula nodded home. Good combination play with Asiimwe down the right and dangerous whenever on the ball. 8.0
Arnold Vula: Etched his name in history with first goal for Uganda at Hoima City Stadium. Not the best of displays, but a match-winner on his debut is the least he could have wanted. 7.5
Rogers Mato: Struggled to provide a constant threat that we are used to seeing when he dons national team colours. 6.0
Substitutes
Kelvin Owusu Boateng: Bright sparks visible with his pace and willingness to get involved in play. A different version to Vula who he replaced at 59 minutes though came on a time when Uganda was on the receiving end. 6.0
Denis Omedi: Replaced Okello in the 78th minute but struggled to change the game’s trajectory. 5.0
Allan Oyirwoth: Came on for Mato three minutes to the game. N/a
Head coach Paul Put: Maintained the new formation with a back three but his team failed to impose themselves on the game. Should have made better changes.
