Uganda Cranes Set Sights on CHAN Glory as They Face Algeria in Tournament Opener at Namboole

The stage is set, the lights will shine bright, and the thunderous roar of home fans will echo through Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as the Uganda Cranes kickstart their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign against continental giants Algeria on Monday at 8:00 PM EAT.

This opening fixture marks a pivotal moment for Ugandan football—not just for the players on the pitch, but for a nation yearning to rewrite its history at the CHAN tournament. Despite participating in all six previous editions, the Uganda Cranes have never progressed past the group stage. But 2024 offers a fresh opportunity, one that comes with home advantage, heightened expectations, and a fully fit, determined squad. 

Drawn into a highly competitive Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger, Uganda's path to CHAN redemption is far from straightforward. Monday’s opener against Algeria is particularly significant. The Cranes will be aiming to avenge a painful 2-0 defeat in their 2011 CHAN encounter in Sudan and turn the tables in front of their home crowd.

At the final pre-match media briefing, Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso radiated confidence in his team’s preparation.

“The boys must have a serious mentality; we are home playing our first game, and it’s very tricky. Our group is a group of death, but we need to have a good start for us to be on the safe side,” Byekwaso said.

The tactician affirmed that the entire squad is injury-free and mentally prepared to deliver a performance that will spark Uganda’s CHAN revival.

“The good thing is we don’t have injuries, and every player is willing to play off their hearts in front of our fans.” 

The youthful yet seasoned Allan Okello, captaining the Cranes in his maiden CHAN appearance, echoed the urgency and determination within the squad.

“Being a leader is a blessing from God; however, on the pitch, everyone must be a leader to know what should be done. We are more than ready; every player wants to make history for the first time.”

Reflecting on their narrow 2-1 loss to Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the same stadium, Okello believes the team has matured and is better positioned to compete.

“We learned from our mistakes. There’s no room for other mistakes. We need to make history in front of our fans.”

Okello also sent out a passionate call to the Ugandan faithful:

“You can get tired for some minutes, but when you hear voices behind you, you push on. We need fans to fill up Namboole tomorrow and in all the upcoming games; we can make history together.”

Algeria’s head coach, Madjid Bougherra, praised Uganda’s hospitality but was clear about his team’s ambitions.

“We are ready to face Uganda. We know what it means playing with your fans at home, but we are prepared for it.”

Bougherra acknowledged Uganda’s progress and the challenging nature of the opening tie.

“It’s a good game to start with — when you win it, it puts you there as a competitor of the championship. The pressure is on Uganda as they are home, not us.”

Previous Meeting: A Lesson and Motivation

The last competitive meeting between Uganda and Algeria ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Cranes, with Travis Mutyaba scoring the consolation goal. That experience still stings and will likely fuel Uganda’s hunger for a better result this time.

Uganda Cranes Full Squad – CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers

Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)

Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)

Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders

Arnold Odong (SC Villa)

Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)

Gideon Odong (NEC FC)

Herbert Achai (KCCA FC)

Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)

Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)

Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)

Midfielders

Joseph Youngman Marvin (Vipers SC)

Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa)

Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)

Allan Okello (Vipers SC)

Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)

Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC)

Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)

Forwards

Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)

Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)

Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC)

Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC)

Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)

Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)

Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)

For the Uganda Cranes, this tournament is about redemption, belief, and breaking barriers. With fans finally back at Namboole, now renovated and roaring, the Cranes have everything they need to flip the script.

A win against Algeria would not only put Uganda in pole position in Group C but also send a bold message to the continent: Uganda is ready to compete.

As the countdown begins, one question remains—can Uganda finally soar beyond the group stages and make CHAN history on home soil? Time will tell, but the belief is stronger than ever.

Kickoff Time: Monday, 8:00 PM EAT

Venue: Mandela National Stadium, Namboole Opponent: Algeria

Tournament: TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 – Group C