- Algeria defeated the Uganda Cranes 0-3 in the Group C opener of the CHAN 2024 played at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Monday evening.
- The loss marked Uganda as the first co-host nation to suffer defeat, while Tanzania secured victory in their opening match.
- Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid were the standout performers who delivered a decisive blow to Uganda.
Uganda’s national men’s team became the first co-host nation to suffer defeat in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, succumbing to a 0-3 loss against a dominant Algeria in their Group C opener at the Mandela National Stadium on Monday evening.
Beneath the floodlights and in front of a passionate crowd, Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid were the key figures who dealt a crushing blow to Uganda.
This result also made Uganda the first team to concede more than two goals in the six matches so far played across the three host nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
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Had Uganda triumphed in their first match, they might have kept pace with Tanzania, who kicked off the tournament with a commanding 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Saturday, followed by Kenya narrowly edging DR Congo 1-0 on Sunday evening.
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However, the North African giants left their opponents trailing in their wake, simultaneously becoming the first side to concede a goal, while Kenya and Tanzania still boast clean sheets.
The opening moments were disjointed, with Uganda energized by their home supporters but struggling to establish an early rhythm.
In contrast, Algeria quickly settled into their fluent passing game, asserting control over the match, and eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute.
A brilliant corner from Meziane found Ayoub Ghezala at the near post, and the midfielder’s deft glancing header eluded goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa to put Algeria ahead.
This was a well-earned lead for the Desert Foxes, who had begun to dominate possession and territory.
The Cranes responded with ambitious long-range strikes from Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande, but Zakaria Bouhalfaya, Algeria’s goalkeeper, was equal to the challenge, making a smart save in first-half stoppage time to deny Kakande and preserve the advantage heading into halftime.
Uganda re-emerged with greater urgency in the second half, but Algeria’s calm composure and defensive solidity proved formidable.
As the hosts pushed men forward, Algeria capitalized on the counterattack.
In the 76th minute, Meziane extended the lead with a composed left-footed finish following a clever lay-off from Messalla Merbah.
Just three minutes later, Bayazid sealed the victory, slotting home from close range after effective buildup play by Naoufel Khacef.
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It was a punishing sequence for Uganda, who had displayed flashes of promise but were undone by lapses in defensive focus and Algeria’s ruthless efficiency.
Despite the scoreline, Uganda created several opportunities. Midfielder Karim Watambala tested the Algerian defense with two powerful shots from distance, and Gavin Kizito’s 60th-minute header forced Bouhalfaya into another impressive save.
Uganda’s evening ended in frustration as substitute Shafik Kwikiriza received a yellow card in stoppage time.
The Cranes now face a hilly challenge in Group C, with upcoming fixtures against Niger and South Africa.
Uganda Cranes vs Algeria lineups CHAN 2024 Group C
Uganda Starting XI
Mutakubwa, Odongo, Odong, Torach, Kizito, Ssebagala, Sserunjogi, Okello, Ssemugabi, Kakande, Anyama
Algeria Starting XI
Bouhalfaya, Chetti, Alilet, Ghezala, Halaimia, Draoui, Merbah, Boukerchaoui, Belhocini, Mahious, Meziane