CHAN 2024: Algeria’s Clinical Performance Leaves Co-hosts Uganda In Trouble
2 min read
By Sportsgister
The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) got underway with a thrilling encounter between co-hosts Uganda Cranes and Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Despite being backed by a passionate home crowd, Uganda endured a rough start to their campaign, falling 3-0 to a clinical Algeria side.
The Desert Foxes dominated early proceedings, launching their first warning sign in the 6th minute with a swift attack that tested Uganda’s backline.
However, the Cranes’ defense stood tall and dealt with the threat. As the game clock approached 20 minutes, Uganda began to grow in confidence, with Jude Ssemugabi operating on the right flank and delivering a low cross that the Algerian defense cleared.
Just as Uganda seemed to be settling into the game, a lapse in concentration at the back cost them dearly. In the 36th minute, Algerian captain Ayoub Ghezala rose highest to head home from a corner, giving the North Africans a 1-0 lead.
Coach Morley Byekwaso made a tactical shift at the break, introducing Karim Watambala for Jude Ssemugabi. This move sparked Uganda into life, as they began to dictate the pace of the game. Okello, Kakande, and Watambala all had chances to draw the Cranes level, but Algeria remained composed and punished the hosts with brutal efficiency.
Algeria doubled their advantage in the 75th minute through Abderrahmane Meziane, whose composed finish gave Mutakubwa no chance.
The third goal came just three minutes later, and it was substitute Soufiane Bayazid who sealed Uganda’s fate, rounding off goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa with ease and slotting the ball into an empty net.
The 3-0 defeat leaves Uganda at the bottom of Group C, with work to do ahead of their second match against Guinea on Friday, August 8. Guinea, who earlier beat Niger 1-0 in the day’s first Group C encounter, top the group.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
