Clinical Algeria Outclass Uganda in Kampala Showdown
The match marked Uganda’s seventh appearance at CHAN, but the team once again struggled to convert promise into results. Despite the backing of a vocal home crowd, the Cranes were second best for most of the encounter, succumbing to their third consecutive defeat to Algeria in the tournament’s history. This loss extends Uganda’s winless record against Algeria in CHAN and keeps alive their unenviable streak of never progressing beyond the group stage—a bitter pill for coach Morley Byekwaso and his charges.
Algeria kickstarted their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign in emphatic fashion, brushing aside co-hosts Uganda with a commanding 3-0 victory on Monday evening at a fully packed Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Goals from Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid underscored a clinical display by the Desert Foxes, whose tournament pedigree, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure proved too much for the Uganda Cranes to handle.
A Familiar Tale for Uganda
The match marked Uganda’s seventh appearance at CHAN, but the team once again struggled to convert promise into results. Despite the backing of a vocal home crowd, the Cranes were second best for most of the encounter, succumbing to their third consecutive defeat to Algeria in the tournament’s history.
This loss extends Uganda’s winless record against Algeria in CHAN and keeps alive their unenviable streak of never progressing beyond the group stage—a bitter pill for coach Morley Byekwaso and his charges.
First Half: Ghezala Silences Namboole
Uganda started brightly, spurred on by a charged atmosphere in the newly renovated stadium. However, the Cranes failed to create meaningful chances as Algeria gradually took control.
In the 36th minute, Algeria capitalised on a lapse in Uganda’s marking. A well-delivered corner by Meziane found Ayoub Ghezala at the near post, whose glancing header beat Joel Mutakubwa to give Algeria a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal punctured Uganda’s momentum and gave Algeria a psychological edge. Uganda responded through speculative long-range efforts from Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande, but Algerian goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya stood firm, producing a smart save in first-half stoppage time to maintain the 1-0 lead.
Second Half: Algeria Turns the Screws
Algeria emerged from the break with the same composure that had defined their first-half dominance. Uganda, needing a response, pushed higher up the pitch and committed more players forward. But Algeria, known for their counter-attacking efficiency, took full advantage.
In the 76th minute, Abderrahmane Meziane doubled Algeria’s lead with a precise left-footed strike after a clever lay-off from substitute Messalla Merbah. Just three minutes later, Soufiane Bayazid added a third, finishing calmly after a flowing team move initiated by Naoufel Khacef.
Uganda’s defence, which had looked organized in the early stages, suddenly unravelled, and Algeria’s ruthless efficiency punished every mistake.
Despite the scoreline, Uganda had opportunities to claw back. Midfielder Karim Watambala tested the Algerian backline with two shots from range, while Gavin Kizito’s 60th-minute header forced Bouhalfaya into a full-stretch save.
Coach Byekwaso introduced Yunus Sentamu and Reagan Mpande in an attempt to inject urgency, but Algeria’s centre-back pairing of Adem Alilet and Ilyés Chétti proved impenetrable. Uganda’s frustration boiled over when substitute Shafik Kwikiriza picked up a late yellow card in stoppage time.
The victory continued Algeria’s remarkable CHAN run. They are now unbeaten in their last seven group-stage matches and have kept 10 clean sheets in their last 13 CHAN fixtures.
Notably, the North African giants have gone an astounding 712 minutes without conceding a goal from open play in the tournament, a record dating back to the 2011 third-place playoff against Sudan.
With talismanic players like Meziane, Mahious, and Bayazid in form, and a defensive unit that thrives on structure and communication, Algeria are emerging as strong contenders to go all the way in PAMOJA 2024—after narrowly missing out on the title in 2022.
For Uganda, the path to knockout qualification now looks perilous. They will need to regroup quickly ahead of a crucial clash against South Africa, followed by their final group game against Niger.
Algeria, on the other hand, can seal early qualification to the quarterfinals with a win over Niger in their next fixture. Coach Abdelmadjid Bougherra will be pleased with the execution of his game plan and the depth displayed across the squad.
Group C Outlook
Algeria’s commanding win in Kampala sends a clear message to Group C rivals. They remain the benchmark in this group—and possibly in the tournament—leaving Uganda with much to ponder as CHAN PAMOJA 2024 unfolds across East Africa.
Match Stats:
Final Score: Uganda 0–3 Algeria
Goals: Ayoub Ghezala (36')
Abderrahmane Meziane (76')
Soufiane Bayazid (79')
Venue: Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
Attendance: Approx. 35,000
