Uganda Cranes falter in CHAN 2024 opener as Algeria clinch emphatic win

CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024
Group C
Monday Results
Niger 0 Guinea 1
Uganda 0 Algeria 3

Tuesday
Group D
Congo v Sudan 5pm
Senegal v Nigeria 8pm

Coach Morley Byekwaso’s bold team selection backfired as Uganda Cranes endured a humbling 3–0 defeat to a clinical Algeria in their CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 opener at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Byekwaso’s decision to field a single holding midfielder and an aggressive front line of three forwards left the team exposed. The attack struggled to break through Algeria’s well-drilled defence, while the midfield was frequently overrun.

Uganda found it difficult to cope with Algeria’s swift ball movement and pace, especially during the first half. A tactical reshuffle saw Jude Ssemugabi withdrawn early for Abdulkarim Watambala, whose introduction noticeably steadied the midfield. With Joel Sserunjogi and Enock Ssebaggala alongside him, Watambala helped Uganda gain more control, freeing up Allan Okello to create chances.

Despite enjoying possession early in the second half, the Cranes couldn’t translate that dominance into meaningful goal-scoring opportunities. Okello and Patrick Kakande worked to carve openings, while Watambala tried his luck from range, but the efforts failed to seriously trouble the Algerian goalkeeper.

Later substitutions saw Sentamu and Shafik Kwikiriza replace Ssebaggala and Anyama in search of a spark. Instead, Algeria capitalized on Uganda’s vulnerability, netting twice through Soufiane Bayazid and Abderrahmane BenTahar to seal a deserved victory.

The result dropped Uganda to the bottom of Group C, which features five teams: Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa, and Uganda. In the other match, Guinea secured a 1–0 win over Niger courtesy of Mohamed Salio Bangou’s 47th-minute strike.

With six previous CHAN appearances ending in group-stage exits, Uganda now faces mounting pressure to win their next fixture against Guinea on Friday to keep qualification hopes alive.

CHAN 2024 is being co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the Pamoja bid. Co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania made strong starts, winning their openers against Burkina Faso and DR Congo respectively.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, joined by senior government officials in the Executive Wing.

The tournament continues Tuesday at Amani Stadium in Zanzibar with Group D action: Congo Brazzaville vs. Sudan at 5 PM, followed by a West African heavyweight clash between defending champions Senegal and Nigeria under the night lights.