Uganda Cranes look to bounce back after CHAN defeat to Algeria

Despite a humbling 3-0 defeat to Algeria in their Group C opener at the ongoing CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, the mood in the Uganda Cranes camp remains positive as they continue preparations for a must-win encounter against Guinea on Friday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Cranes CHAN team head coach Morley Byekwaso says that the team has put the disappointing result behind them and is now fully focused on bouncing back.

“The defeat to Algeria, as painful as it was, has reignited fire in the boys. It was a bad and unacceptable result, and everyone is determined to make amends. We still have a chance to revive our knockout hopes,” said Byekwaso.

“The players are mentally prepared, and we are determined to respond with a strong performance on Friday. We call upon the fans to stick with us as we fight to make them proud.”

The Cranes have come under heavy criticism from fans following the opening loss. Those at Namboole were left fuming at fulltime and others are still expressing their frustration on social media and other platforms. They are demanding a much-improved performance against Guinea.

Both Uganda and Guinea trained on Tuesday and Wednesday at Kyambogo Sports Grounds in preparation for Friday’s showdown. Elsewhere, South Africa also trained at Mutesa II Stadium Wankulukuku, while Algeria held their session at FUFA stadium Kadiba in Mengo.

Guinea, who began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Niger, will be looking to build on that result. A second consecutive victory would see them move to six points and put one foot in the knockout stage.

Group C is currently topped by Algeria and Guinea, both on three points. South Africa, yet to play a match, sit third, while Uganda, with a -3-goal difference, are at the bottom of the five-team group. South Africa will also kick off their campaign on Friday against Algeria in the second fixture of the day.

All Group C matches are being played at Namboole Stadium, with the top two teams at the end of the group stage assured of progressing to the quarterfinals.

CAF African Nations Championship CHAN 2024

Pamoja (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda)

August 2-30

Wednesday

Burkina Faso v Central African Republic (CAR) 5pm

Mauritania v Tanzania 8pm

Thursday

DR Congo v Zambia 4pm

Angola v Kenya 7pm

Friday

Algeria v South Africa 5pm

Guinea v Uganda 8pm