KAMPALA, Uganda — Algeria’s Desert Foxes made a thunderous start to their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign with a dominant 3–0 victory over hosts Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium on Monday night.
From the opening whistle, the North Africans took control of the game, overwhelming Uganda’s midfield and exposing their backline with sharp passing and tactical discipline. The result leaves Algeria top of Group C and firmly in the driver’s seat heading into the next round of matches.\
Uganda’s game plan to soak up pressure and hit on the break through Patrick Kakande and Jude Ssemugabi failed to pay off, as the Cranes struggled to create meaningful chances. Algeria’s relentless pressure was finally rewarded in the 35th minute when captain Ayoub Ghezala rose unmarked to nod home a corner kick, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the hosts.
Algeria Turn on the Style
Despite a brief attacking surge after the break from Uganda — with Allan Okello and Kizito Mugweri showing flashes of creativity — the home side could not break through Algeria’s watertight defence, anchored by goalkeeper Ahmed Toufik.
Algeria’s tactical patience paid off again in the 76th minute when Meziane Abderrahmane completed a slick team move to double the lead. Just three minutes later, substitute Soufiane Beyazid added a third, slotting in calmly to seal the Desert Foxes’ statement win.
Uganda Left Reeling
The Cranes’ frustrations boiled over late in the game, with Emmanuel Anyama and Joel Sserunjogi both booked for reckless tackles. Uganda registered just one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes and now face an uphill battle to stay in the tournament.
The heavy defeat also means Uganda miss out on an exclusive performance-based reward package that President Yoweri Museveni had pledged for a strong start to the CHAN tournament.
Elsewhere in Kenya
On Sunday, Harambee stars of Kenya beat Congo 1-0 in a high stakes match amid the promise of Sh1 Million per player for every game won throughout the tournament. President Ruto met the Kenyan stars in the locker room and confirmed that they will be receiving the promised account.
A total promise of Sh1 billion has been pledged so far if the team wins the CHAN tournament. President ruto promised the Stars Sh600 million if they win, while former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko also pledged Sh400 million if the Kenyan football team wins the African tournament.
What’s Next?
CHAN 2024 action continues Tuesday in Zanzibar with two Group D clashes: Congo take on Sudan, while West African heavyweights Nigeria and Senegal face off in a mouthwatering encounter at Amaan Stadium.