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Algeria Lay Down a Marker in Kampala as Uganda Struggle for CHAN Relevance
In a match that underscored the gulf in tournament pedigree, Algeria kicked off their CHAN PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a resounding 3–0 win over co-hosts Uganda, stamping their authority with clinical efficiency at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
The Desert Foxes were everything Uganda hoped to be—organised, composed, and ruthlessly effective in both boxes. Goals from Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid not only secured the three points but sent a clear message to the rest of Group C: Algeria mean business.
For Uganda, it was a return to familiar CHAN heartbreak. Despite flashes of promise, the Cranes were outclassed in critical moments and now face a steep uphill battle to reach their first-ever knockout stage.
Tactical Discipline and a Ruthless Edge
Algeria’s success came not just from individual brilliance, but from tactical discipline and the maturity of a side comfortable with the pressures of continental competition. Ghezala’s opening goal— a near-post header off Meziane’s corner—was a product of precise execution after sustained pressure.
When Uganda pushed for an equaliser in the second half, Algeria absorbed it calmly before striking twice in three devastating minutes. Meziane’s calm finish and Bayazid’s well-taken goal were testaments to a team that knows when to pounce.
Uganda’s Missed Opportunities and Defensive Gaps
Coach Morley Byekwaso’s side wasn’t short on effort, but lacked the cohesion and confidence needed at this level. Joel Sserunjogi, Patrick Kakande, and Karim Watambala all tested the Algerian defence, while substitute Yunus Sentamu added urgency late on. But lapses in concentration—especially during Algeria’s second-half burst—proved costly.
The defensive pairing of Gift Fred and Gavin Kizito was stretched, while the midfield lacked the control needed to dictate play. It was a performance that showed promise in parts, but too little structure to trouble an elite side like Algeria.
Algeria’s Staggering CHAN Record
This result extended Algeria’s unbeaten CHAN group stage run to seven matches and added to a growing record that now includes 10 clean sheets in their last 13 CHAN appearances. They have not conceded from open play in over 712 minutes, a stat that underscores their tournament nous.
With Meziane pulling strings in midfield and defenders like Adem Alilet anchoring a rock-solid backline, Algeria look every bit the title contenders they were in 2022—only now, perhaps even more balanced.
The Road Ahead
Uganda must regroup quickly. With Niger and South Africa still to come, their hopes of a first knockout appearance hang in the balance. They’ll need sharper finishing, stronger defending, and, crucially, belief.
Algeria, meanwhile, face Niger next. Another win will not only seal early qualification but further entrench their status as CHAN favourites.
As the CHAN PAMOJA 2024 tournament progresses, Algeria’s emphatic victory in Kampala could well be remembered as the moment the title race found a true front-runner — and Uganda, a team still struggling to shake off the ghosts of tournaments past.
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