Kampala, Uganda
August 4, 2025
The Mandela National Stadium in Namboole is set to host a thrilling Group C clash as the Uganda Cranes take on Algeria in their opening match of the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
The highly anticipated fixture, a repeat of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier earlier this year, where Algeria edged out a 2-1 victory at the same venue, promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
With co-hosts Tanzania and Ethiopia kicking off the tournament with victories over Burkina Faso and DR Congo respectively, the pressure is on Uganda to secure a positive result.
Team captain Allan Okello, who will lead the Cranes, expressed confidence in their preparations. “We have had very good preparations, and we are ready,” Okello told the press.
“The team we face has a lot of quality, but if we want to go far in the tournament, we must get a good result against them. ”Okello, who previously played for AC Paradou in Algeria, brings valuable insight into the Desert Foxes’ strengths.
Reflecting on the World Cup qualifier loss, he emphasized the importance of minimizing errors. “When we played them in the World Cup qualifiers, we made silly mistakes in the second half despite a strong first half.
I know we shall make mistakes again, but not ones that will cost us the game,” he said.Head coach Morley Byekwaso, the first local tactician to lead Uganda at CHAN, is equally determined to make history on home soil.
“Playing here means we must make history and make it through the group,” Byekwaso stated. “We want to do our best to qualify, and with fans behind us, as hosts, in our first game, we need to win because it is important in the tournament.
”Algeria’s coach, Majid Bougherra, praised the warm hospitality extended to his team and expressed excitement for the match. “Thank you, Uganda, for the warm welcome. I am very happy to start the competition with Uganda, the hosts, and I know it will be tough,” Bougherra said.
“We want to play in a full stadium as that will give us motivation to do well.”The two teams have met once before in CHAN, with Algeria securing a 2-0 victory in Sudan in 2011.
As both sides gear up for this crucial encounter, Uganda will look to leverage home support to overturn their historical record against the Desert Foxes.
Earlier in the day, Group C action will kick off with Guinea facing Niger at Namboole, setting the stage for an exciting day of football. With the stakes high and the atmosphere electric, all eyes will be on the Cranes to deliver a performance that ignites their CHAN 2024 campaign.