Uganda Cranes endured a tough start to their CHAN 2024 campaign, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Algeria at a packed Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Monday evening.
The North African side controlled much of the match, showcasing tactical discipline and clinical finishing to overpower the co-hosts in front of their home crowd.
Algeria broke the deadlock in the 36th minute through Ayoub Ghezala’s header from a corner.
Despite Uganda’s attempts to respond with shots from Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande, the visitors maintained their lead into halftime.
In the second half, Uganda pressed forward in search of an equalizer but were twice caught on the break.
Meziane Abderrahmane added a second with a composed strike in the 76th minute before Soufiane Bayazid sealed the win three minutes later following a swift counter-attack.
Though Uganda showed moments of promise, including efforts from Karim Watambala and a close header by Gavin Kizito, they were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and Algeria’s efficient execution.
This result continues Algeria’s dominance over Uganda in CHAN history and leaves the Cranes with a mountain to climb in Group C, with upcoming fixtures against Niger and South Africa.
