KAMPALA UGANDA 04 AUG, 2025: Co-hosts Uganda Cranes endured a rough start to their TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 campaign after falling 3-0 to a clinical Algeria side in their opening Group C fixture at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Monday night.
Backed by a passionate home crowd under the floodlights, Uganda looked to mark their first ever continental tournament on home soil with a spirited performance, but it was the Desert Foxes who dominated early proceedings and set the tone for the night.
Algeria launched their first warning sign in the 6th minute with a swift attack that tested Uganda’s backline. However, the Cranes defence stood tall and dealt with the threat. The game’s first booking came in the 13th minute when Cranes forward Emmanuel Anyama was shown a yellow card for a foul on Algeria’s Mohammed Reda as both teams started to battle for the game control.
As the game clock approached 20 minutes, Uganda began to grow in confidence. Jude Ssemugabi, operating on the right flank, beat his marker with a clever dribble and delivered a low cross, but the Algerian defence was alert to clear the danger.
However, 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 Ghezela rose highest to head home from a corner, giving the North Africans a 1-0 lead. Things got more complicated for Uganda when Joel Sserunjogi was booked in the 41st minute for a foul on Bilel Boukerchaoui, Uganda’s second caution of the evening.
Despite five minutes of added time at the end of the first half, Uganda’s best opportunity came through Patrick Kakande but the youngster’s effort was well saved by Algeria’s goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.
Coach Morley Byekwaso made a tactical shift at the break, introducing Karim Watambala for Jude Ssemugabi. This move saw skipper Allan Okello switch to the right wing while Watambala slotted into the attacking midfield role.
The change 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, with the fans in full voice urging them on.
Despite Uganda’s improved second-half showing, Algeria remained composed and punished the hosts with brutal efficiency. In the 69th minute, they made a double substitution: Soufiane Bayazid came on for Aimen Mahious and Mohamed Naoufel replaced Abdennour Iheb.
Just four minutes later, Uganda responded with their own double switch, Shafiq Nana Kwikiriza replaced Enock Ssebagala and Yunus Sentamu came on for Anyama. But 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. He rounded off goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa with ease and slotted the ball into an empty net, sending the visiting bench into celebration.
Both teams made further changes as the game wound down, but the result was all but sealed. Uganda’s promising moments in the second half were ultimately overshadowed by Algeria’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline.
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.
Match Summary:
Uganda Cranes 0–3 Algeria
Goals:
Ayoub Ghezela (36′)
Abderrahmane Meziane (75′)
Soufiane Bayazid (78′)
Yellow Cards:
Emmanuel Anyama (UGA, 13’)
Joel Sserunjogi (UGA, 41’)
Algeria’s Abderrahmane Meziane was named man of the match.
Courtesy FUFA website:
