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 vs 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. 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 see 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.
