KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Cranes suffered a significant setback in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign, falling to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday. The result marks a disappointing start for the co-hosts, who were unable to match the clinical performance of the North African side.
The match began with a cautious approach from both teams, but Algeria quickly asserted control, with their midfield and attacking duo of Abdennour Belhocini and Zakaria Draoui troubling the Cranes’ backline.
Uganda, appearing anxious, struggled with coordination and rhythm under the early pressure. Despite finding a brief period of momentum, their efforts in the final third were largely ineffective.
Algeria broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when midfielder Ayoub Ghezala capitalized on a defensive lapse to head in the opening goal. The goal put the Desert Foxes in the driving seat going into the halftime break.
In response, Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso made a tactical substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Karim Watambala for Jude Ssemugabi.
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The change provided a spark, with Watambala adding pace to the midfield and Allan Okello moving to a more influential position on the flank. Watambala came close to finding an equalizer in the 63rd minute, but his powerful effort went just wide of the goal.
Algeria, however, proved to be ruthless. Meziane Abderrahmane doubled their lead with a powerful left-footed strike in the 76th minute.
Just three minutes later, second-half substitute Soufine Beyazid sealed the victory, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net after catching the Cranes’ defense in possession.
Uganda made several further changes but none had a significant impact on the game’s outcome. With this loss, the Cranes will now be under pressure to perform in their next Group C match on Friday, August 8, when they face Guinea, who won their opening game against Niger.
