See how Uganda Cranes players were rated after Arnold Vula’s goal and Denis Onyango’s saves secured a 1-0 AFCON 2027 qualifying win over Libya.
Uganda Cranes combined a debut goal with disciplined defending to beat Libya 1-0 at Hoima City Stadium and climb to the top of Group H in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Arnold Vula headed in Allan Okello’s free-kick late in the first half. Libya controlled long stretches after the interval, but goalkeeper Denis Onyango and the back three protected the lead.
The victory took Uganda to four points from two matches after the 1-1 draw away to Tunisia. However, the performance exposed areas Paul Put must improve, particularly ball retention and the timing of his substitutions.
Uganda Cranes player ratings against Libya
Denis Onyango — 8.5/10
Onyango was Uganda’s outstanding performer. He organised the defence and produced a vital first-half one-on-one stop. Libya registered five shots on target, according to ESPN’s match statistics, but none beat him. His handling and positioning were crucial after half-time.
Nathan Asiimwe — 7/10
Asiimwe gave Uganda energy on the right, carrying the ball forward and combining effectively with Allan Okello. Libya occasionally found space behind him, but this was another encouraging display from a player becoming comfortable at senior international level.
Aziz Kayondo — 5/10
Kayondo had a difficult evening. Libya’s number 19 beat him more than once, while the wing-back appeared to play through discomfort. He could not influence Uganda’s attack as consistently as usual.
Tobby Sibbick — 6.5/10
Sibbick looked composed in possession and helped Uganda build from the back before the break. His steadiness remained valuable as Libya pushed more players forward after half-time.
Kenneth Ssemakula — 6/10
Ssemakula offered balance on the right of the back three. He was less convincing when Libya raised the tempo, but recovered well enough to contribute to the clean sheet.
Rogers Torach — 6/10
Torach’s performance had two distinct halves. Loose moments before the break gave Libya chances, but he responded impressively after the interval. His blocks and clearances helped Uganda survive the visitors’ strongest period.
Baba Alhassan — 6.5/10
Alhassan set Uganda’s midfield rhythm and moved the ball calmly under pressure. His influence reduced as Libya took charge, although his composure still gave the Cranes occasional relief.
Noble Okello — 6/10
Okello started brightly and looked to pass forward, helping Uganda connect midfield with attack. His energy dropped later, and an earlier substitution might have helped the hosts regain control.
Allan Okello — 8/10
Okello supplied the game’s decisive quality. His accurate free-kick allowed Vula to head Uganda in front, while his combinations with Asiimwe troubled Libya. He was the hosts’ most dangerous creator.
Arnold Vula — 7.5/10
Vula could hardly have scripted a better international debut. He did not dominate the match, but his movement and header delivered the winner. Becoming the first Cranes scorer at Hoima City Stadium gives the moment historical significance.
Rogers Mato — 6/10
Mato worked across the front line but did not provide his usual threat. Libya limited his room, while Uganda’s reduced possession after the break left him isolated.
How the substitutes rated
Kelvin Owusu Boateng earned 6/10 after replacing Vula in the 59th minute. His pace offered promise, although he entered while Uganda were under pressure.
Denis Omedi received 5/10 after replacing Allan Okello in the 78th minute. He struggled to alter the match as Uganda protected their lead.
Allan Oyirwoth was not rated because he replaced Mato with only a few minutes remaining, leaving insufficient time to make a meaningful impact.
Paul Put’s tactical assessment
Put retained the back-three formation used against Tunisia, but Uganda failed to impose themselves for long. ESPN recorded 45 percent possession for the hosts, while Libya attempted more passes and shots. The shape produced a clean sheet, yet the coach could have refreshed midfield earlier as Libya took control.
Still, four points from the opening two qualifiers represent a solid start. The challenge is to combine the resilience seen in Hoima with greater authority on the ball.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Uganda’s highest-rated player against Libya?
Denis Onyango received the highest rating at 8.5/10 after keeping a clean sheet and making several important saves, including a first-half one-on-one stop.
Who scored Uganda’s winner against Libya?
Debutant Arnold Vula scored with a header from Allan Okello’s free-kick late in the first half. Vula received 7.5/10, while Okello earned 8/10 for his creative influence and assist.
What was the Uganda Cranes formation against Libya?
Paul Put used a 3-5-2 system, with Sibbick, Torach and Ssemakula forming the back three. Asiimwe and Kayondo operated as wing-backs.
What does the win mean for Uganda in Group H?
The 1-0 victory moved Uganda to four points after two matches, following the opening draw with Tunisia, and placed the Cranes top of Group H at the end of their game.
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Verdict
Uganda’s victory belonged to three decisive figures: Onyango preserved the lead, Allan Okello created the goal, and Vula finished it. Torach’s second-half recovery also mattered. The ratings show that the Cranes still have room to improve before their next Group H assignment.
