AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Uganda welcome Libya in Group H showdown – Preview

Uganda return to home soil on Tuesday when they take on Libya in their second Group H match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Cranes head into the contest with a point already secured from their opening fixture, but their attention will now turn to converting that positive start into a home victory.

Uganda showed character in Tunis last week, recovering from an early deficit against Tunisia to earn a 1-1 draw. Rogers Mato provided the equaliser in the second half after Nathan Asiimwe created the opportunity.

That result should give Paul Put’s side belief heading into their first home assignment, particularly after showing they could remain composed against one of the more experienced teams in the group.

Libya also began with a draw, but theirs was a much more eventful encounter.

The Mediterranean Knights surrendered a two-goal advantage against Botswana before eventually settling for a 2-2 draw. Tumisang Orebonye had put Botswana in trouble with two goals, but Libya fought back through Marwan Al Haboos and a stoppage-time penalty from Ezoo El Mariamy.

Both teams therefore enter the meeting with one point, making the Hoima encounter an opportunity to move closer to the top of the group.

Uganda will have the advantage of playing in front of their supporters, while Libya will draw confidence from the way they recovered against Botswana.

The Cranes are already assured of their place at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts, but the qualifying matches remain important for Put as he continues to develop his team ahead of the finals.

For Libya, however, the campaign is about securing one of the qualification places available from the group, making every point valuable.

The hosts will look to Mato and their attacking players to provide the cutting edge, while Libya will hope their ability to respond under pressure can produce another positive result away from home.

The match takes place at Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

With Tunisia and Botswana also meeting in the other Group H fixture, Uganda and Libya know that victory could provide an important early boost as the group begins to take shape.