- Uganda 0-3 Algeria
- Niger 0-1 Guinea
Uganda Cranes were handed a tough 3-0 defeat by Algeria in their opening Group C game at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Monday night at a packed Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Returning to the iconic stadium was supposed to be a proud moment for Ugandan football, but instead, Algeria exposed the Cranes’ defensive weaknesses, especially in a dominant second half.
The game started slowly, with both teams building from the back. But Algeria settled first. Abdennour Belhocini and Zakaria Draoui caused early problems on the right, forcing Uganda into mistakes. The Cranes looked jittery in midfield, unable to cope with Algeria’s press.
Joel Sserunjogi offered a brief spark midway through the first half, driving Uganda’s play forward. But the Cranes couldn’t turn that momentum into real chances.
Algeria struck first in the 35th minute when Ayoub Ghezala punished a defensive error to give the visitors the lead. Coach Morley Byekwaso responded at halftime by introducing Karim Watambala, who immediately brought more urgency.
Watambala came close to equalizing in the 63rd minute, and Allan Okello also looked lively after switching to the wing. But just as Uganda seemed to find their rhythm, Algeria struck again.
Meziane Abderrahmane made it 2-0 in the 76th minute, again after poor defending. Moments later, Soufine Beyazid added a third, taking advantage of a misjudged aerial clearance by left back Odong.
Byekwaso made more changes, but nothing worked. Uganda now sits at the bottom of the group.
The Cranes will try to regroup before facing Guinea on Friday, August 8. Guinea beat Niger in their opener.
