Algeria’s Desert Foxes kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign in dominant fashion, sweeping aside Uganda Cranes 3–0 in their Group C opener at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
From the outset, Algeria controlled possession with sharp passing and quick interchanges that kept the Ugandan defence on the back foot.
Despite efforts to absorb the pressure and strike on the counter through Patrick Kakande and Jude Ssemugabi, Uganda struggled to carve out any real scoring opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Algeria’s captain Ayoub Ghezala was left unmarked in the box, heading home from a corner to punish a lapse in Uganda’s defensive setup.
Uganda sought an immediate response before halftime, but Algeria’s structured defending nullified any threat.
After the break, the hosts showed brief flashes of promise—particularly through Allan Okello and Kizito Mugweri—but their attacking efforts lacked the sharpness needed to trouble Algerian goalkeeper Ahmed Toufik.
Abdul Karim Watambala was introduced to tighten Uganda’s midfield, but Algeria remained composed and in control.
In the 76th minute, Meziane Abderrahmane capped off a sweeping move to double the lead with a composed finish. Just three minutes later, substitute Soufiane Beyazid added a third, sealing an emphatic victory.
Frustration set in for the Cranes, with Emmanuel Anyama and Joel Sserunjogi both receiving yellow cards, further disrupting their rhythm.
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Uganda managed just one shot on target throughout the match, a reflection of their lack of cutting edge and costly defensive lapses.
The loss not only dampens Uganda’s hopes of advancing but also eliminates their chance of claiming a promised special reward package from President Yoweri Museveni for a strong start to the tournament.
CHAN 2024 action continues on Tuesday with Group D matchups: Congo face Sudan, followed by a highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and Senegal—both fixtures set to take place at Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium.
