Algeria Deliver Commanding Performance Against Uganda in CHAN 2024
Algeria didn’t waste time reminding Africa who’s boss in their CHAN 2024 Group C opener in Kampala. Facing Uganda, a side desperate to break its streak of group-stage heartbreaks, Algeria put on a display that ticked every box for a title contender. The match, held at Mandela National Stadium, opened the tournament on a high note—but only if you’re cheering for Algeria.
The Ugandan Cranes came into the tournament with hope in their hearts and a seventh straight CHAN appearance under their belt. Coach Morley Byekwaso staked his trust in up-and-coming talents like Travis Mutyaba and Gift Fred. The legendary Dennis Onyango, now part of the coaching setup, brought in experience, but sometimes experience alone isn’t enough when facing a side as organized as Algeria.
For the Algerians, this was a chance to build on their deep run in 2022. Coach Madjid Bougherra stuck with his core squad, and the stability showed right away. It was clear from kickoff—the Fennecs had structure, confidence, and attacking options in abundance. Aimen Mahious kept Uganda’s defenders busy, while captain Zineddine Belaïd marshaled his teammates like a general.
Three Goals, One Statement: Algeria Mean Business
Ayoub Ghezala broke the deadlock in the 36th minute as Algeria’s high pressing forced an error at the back. From then, Uganda looked rattled. The hosts were driven on by the home crowd, but nerves and inexperience crept in, especially under Algeria’s relentless waves of attack. Uganda’s defense, already looking stretched, buckled further in the second half.
By the 76th minute, Abderrahmane Meziane doubled Algeria’s lead, finishing off a slick move. The same Meziane, who later had to play on despite losing a tooth during a challenge, still dominated. Just three minutes later, substitute Sofiane Bayazid completed the job, capitalizing on some scrappy defending. Meziane, the clear star on the night, walked away with the Man of the Match award, tooth or no tooth.
Algeria’s tactical discipline—players always in the right places, never giving Uganda a sniff—set them apart. Even as Uganda tried to answer back, they struggled to put the ball into meaningful areas. Attacking spark never came, and their defensive gaps got larger as the game wore on.
- Goals: Ghezala (36’), Meziane (76’), Bayazid (79’)
- Man of the Match: Abderrahmane Meziane
- Key stat: Uganda haven’t progressed past the group in seven CHAN appearances
Uganda must now regroup quickly. Their next matches against Niger and South Africa won’t be any easier, especially if they don’t plug leaks at the back. For Algeria, this comfortable win sets a strong tone—they don’t just want to get out of the group, they want CHAN 2024 glory. Early days, but when a team has this much depth and composure, it’s hard to bet against them going all the way.
