The national team – Uganda Cranes are set to begin their journey in the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, with a much-anticipated fixture against Algeria on Monday at 8:00 PM at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
With Tanzania’s 2-0 win against Burkina Faso and later Kenya beating DR Congo, the pressure is on Uganda Cranes to pick a result from the Desert Foxes’ game. Speaking during the final pre-match media briefing on Sunday, Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and readiness for the challenge ahead.
“The boys must have a serious mentality; we are home playing our first game, and it’s very tricky. Our group is a group of death, but we need to have a good start for us to be on the safe side,” he emphasized.
He added that the squad is fully fit and mentally charged for the task ahead. “The good thing is we don’t have injuries, and every player is willing to play off their hearts in front of our fans.”
Team captain Allan Okello, who will be featuring in his maiden CHAN tournament, underscored the collective leadership needed on the pitch and the hunger within the squad to break new ground.
“Being a leader is a blessing from God; however, on the pitch, everyone must be a leader to know what should be done. We are more than ready; we need to give it our best. Every player wants to make history for the first time, so everyone will give their best,” Okello stated.
Reflecting on past meetings with Algeria, Okello drew lessons from their most recent clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which Uganda narrowly lost 2-1 at Namboole.
“We played them in the World cup qualifiers and lost, but we learned from our mistakes, so there’s no room for other mistakes. We need to make history in front of our fans, so we are prepared.” Okello also called on fans to rally behind the team, acknowledging the vital role their support plays during matches.
“You can get tired for some minutes, but when you hear voices behind you, you push on. So, we need fans to fill up Namboole tomorrow and in all the upcoming games; we can make history together.”
Algeria head coach Madjid Bougherra praised Uganda’s hospitality but warned that his side is equally prepared for the tough opener. “I thank Uganda for the reception. The country is peaceful. We are ready to face Uganda. We know what it means playing with your fans home, but we are prepared for it.” Acknowledging Uganda’s quality and the high-stakes nature of the tournament, Bougherra added:
“We expect a tough game. We know Uganda will do anything to make their fans proud. It’s a good game to start with — when you win it, it puts you there as a competitor of the championship. We’ve played before huge crowds and we are looking forward to the match against Uganda. It won’t be an easy game, but we are ready.”
The last encounter between Uganda and Algeria came during the 2026 FIFA World cup qualifiers, where Uganda lost 2-1, with Travis Mutyaba scoring Uganda’s only goal.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad – CHAN 2024
Goalkeepers:
Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders:
Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
Gideon Odong (NEC FC)
Herbert Achai (KCCA FC)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)
Midfielders:
Joseph Youngman Marvin (Vipers SC)
Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa)
Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC)
Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)
Forwards:
Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)
Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC)
Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC)
Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
Courtesy: FUFA website.
