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Monday Results:

• Niger 0–1 Guinea
• Uganda 0–3 Algeria

Tuesday Fixtures (Group D):

• Congo vs. Sudan – 5:00 PM
• Senegal vs. Nigeria – 8:00 PM

Uganda Cranes suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat at the hands of a clinical Algerian side in their CHAN 2024 opener at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Coach Morley Byekwaso’s ambitious team selection proved costly.

Byekwaso opted for a single holding midfielder and an aggressive three-man attack, a decision that left the midfield exposed and vulnerable to Algeria’s swift, coordinated play. Uganda struggled to break through Algeria’s organized backline and was frequently overrun in the middle of the park.

Algeria dominated the first half with quick ball movement and pace, forcing Uganda into a tactical adjustment. Jude Ssemugabi was subbed off early for Abdulkarim Watambala, whose presence brought more balance to the midfield. Alongside Joel Sserunjogi and Enock Ssebaggala, Watambala helped Uganda gain some control, giving Allan Okello the freedom to create chances.

Despite a stronger second-half showing in terms of possession, the Cranes couldn’t convert their momentum into meaningful chances. Okello and Patrick Kakande tried to spark the attack, and Watambala tested the Algerian goalkeeper from a distance, but none of the efforts bore fruit.

Later substitutions, including the introductions of Sentamu and Shafik Kwikiriza for Ssebaggala and Anyama, were intended to ignite a comeback. Instead, Algeria capitalized on Uganda’s defensive gaps, adding two more goals through Soufiane Bayazid and Abderrahmane BenTahar to seal a comfortable win.

With the loss, Uganda sits at the bottom of Group C, which includes Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa, and Uganda. In the group’s other fixture, Guinea edged Niger 1–0 thanks to a 47th-minute strike by Mohamed Salio Bangou.

Having exited in the group stage in all six of their previous CHAN appearances, Uganda now faces mounting pressure to defeat Guinea on Friday to keep their qualification hopes alive.

CHAN 2024 is being co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the Pamoja bid. Kenya and Tanzania both started strongly, securing opening victories against Burkina Faso and DR Congo, respectively.

Monday’s match at Namboole was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, alongside top government officials seated in the Executive Wing.

Action resumes Tuesday at Amani Stadium in Zanzibar, where Group D fixtures will see Congo Brazzaville take on Sudan at 5:00 PM, followed by a much-anticipated clash between defending champions Senegal and Nigeria at 8:00 PM.