Algeria began their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign in emphatic style with a 3-0 victory over tournament co-hosts Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The North Africans delivered a clinical and composed performance, scoring once in the first half and twice after the break to seal all three points in their Group C opener.
Ayoub Ghezala opened the scoring in the 36th minute, rising highest to head home from a corner delivered by Abderrahmane Meziane. The goal came after Uganda had initially shown attacking promise, with long-range efforts from Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande testing Algeria’s goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.
Despite a few moments of urgency from the hosts, Algeria took full control of the game in the second half. Meziane, who had assisted the opener, turned scorer in the 76th minute, curling a well-placed shot from the edge of the box to double the lead.
Just three minutes later, Soufiane Bayazid added a third goal, finishing off a sweeping move involving Naoufel Khacef to put the result beyond doubt. “We kept our shape and punished them when it mattered,” said Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra.
Algeria’s Tactical Masterclass
Algeria’s victory puts them at the top of Group C on goal difference, following Guinea’s 1-0 win over Niger earlier in the day. The Desert Foxes have now extended their unbeaten group-stage run at CHAN to seven matches.
Uganda, meanwhile, were left to rue their defensive lapses and lack of cutting edge. Coach Morley Byekwaso made several tactical changes in the second half, including the introduction of Karim Watambala and a positional shift for Allan Okello—but they failed to turn the tide.
The Cranes managed only one shot on target throughout the match. Substitutes Yunus Sentamu and Reagan Mpande added urgency, but Algeria’s backline—marshalled by Adem Alilet and Ilyés Chétti—held firm.
Uganda’s frustration boiled over with yellow cards to Emmanuel Anyama and Joel Sserunjogi in the closing stages. “We must regroup and fight harder in the next game,” said Cranes captain Allan Okello.
What’s Next for Uganda?
Uganda next face Guinea on August 8 in a must-win encounter. Their final group games are against Niger on August 11 and South Africa on August 18. All matches will be played at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, with an 8 PM local kickoff.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇺🇬 0–3 🇩🇿
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 4, 2025
Algeria open their #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 campaign with a statement win. ✅
Purchase your tickets here 👉 https://t.co/AbrqIVepKG pic.twitter.com/TW1jvwk6hu
CHAN 2024 is being co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament is exclusive to players active in their domestic leagues, offering a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage.
Algeria, winners of the 2022 edition, continue to show their pedigree. Their ability to control games and strike with precision makes them one of the favourites to lift the trophy again.
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