KAMPALA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Uganda Cranes maintained their lead in Group L of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after a 3-0 home win over Lesotho on Saturday.

Tanzanian-based striker Emmanuel Arnold Okwi netted a brace, while Farouk Miya converted a penalty to make sure Uganda bagged maximum points.

The Cranes started the game attacking in numbers before Okwi scored in the 11th minute at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

After 36 minutes, Okwi was brought down in the box by Basia Makepe and Miya converted the resulting penalty kick. He gave goalkeeper Likano Mphuthi no chance from the spot.

Tumlo Khatlan had a chance for the Lesotho Crocodiles, but Ugandan goalkeeper and skipper Denis Onyango made a good save punching the ball out.

After resumption, Okwi scored his second of the day when Edrisa Lubega crossed and the striker headed in. The Cranes contained the visitors for long spells.

"I am happy by the display of my players today. We now have to focus on the return game in Maseru against the same side on Oct. 16," Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre told Xinhua after the game.

Moses Maliehe, the Lesotho coach said his team was outplayed.

"The Uganda Cranes were a better side today, but we wait for a different story when we host them on Tuesday," said Maliehe.

The win increased Uganda's lead on the log in Group L to seven points and a four goal advantage. Cape Verde are second on four points, while Lesotho remain third and Tanzania are at bottom.