KAMPALA, Uganda
The Uganda Cranes endured a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Algeria in their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 opening match at a vibrant Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday evening.
Despite the fervent support of the home crowd, the co-hosts were outclassed by a tactically astute Algerian side, leaving Uganda’s hopes of a first-ever CHAN knockout stage appearance hanging in the balance.
From the outset, Uganda struggled to find their footing against the Desert Foxes, who settled into a composed passing rhythm. The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when Ayoub Ghezala rose to meet a well-delivered corner from Abderrahmane Meziane, glancing a header past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa at the near post.
The goal silenced the Namboole faithful and handed Algeria a deserved lead, as they controlled both territory and possession.
The Cranes showed flashes of resistance, with Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande attempting long-range efforts to level the score. However, Algerian goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya proved equal to the task, notably producing a sharp save in first-half stoppage time to deny Kakande.
Despite Uganda’s spirited response, they went into the break trailing 1-0, unable to convert their moments of promise into clear-cut chances.
The second half saw Uganda push forward with greater urgency, but their attacking intent left them vulnerable. Algeria capitalized ruthlessly on the counter in the 76th minute, with Meziane doubling the lead through a composed left-footed finish after a clever lay-off from Messalla Merbah.
Just three minutes later, second-half substitute Soufiane Bayazid put the result beyond doubt, slotting home from close range following slick build-up play by Naoufel Khacef.
Though Uganda created opportunities—Karim Watambala tested Algeria’s defense with two long-range shots, and Gavin Kizito forced another smart save from Bouhalfaya with a 60th-minute header, the Cranes were undone by defensive lapses and Algeria’s clinical efficiency.
Late substitutes Yunus Sentamu and Reagan Mpande added energy, but Algeria’s backline, marshalled by Adem Alilet and Ilyés Chétti, remained impenetrable. The night ended in frustration for Uganda, with substitute Shafik Kwikiriza earning a yellow card in stoppage time.
This defeat marks Uganda’s third consecutive loss to Algeria at CHAN, underscoring the North Africans’ dominance and their remarkable tournament record of 10 clean sheets in 13 matches.
For the Cranes, the result highlights ongoing challenges in translating domestic support into continental success.
With daunting Group C fixtures against Niger and South Africa ahead, coach Morley Byekwaso faces a critical task to address defensive frailties and sharpen the team’s attacking edge.
Uganda’s next opportunity to regroup comes against South Africa, where a strong response will be essential to reignite the passion of the Namboole crowd and keep their CHAN knockout stage aspirations alive.