By Admin
Algeria’s Desert Foxes on Monday produced a clinical performance to sweep aside Uganda Cranes 3–0 in their CHAN 2024 Group C opener at the Mandela National Stadium, Kampala, putting them in firm control of the group.
Algeria signaled their intent early, dominating possession and unsettling the Ugandan backline with crisp passing and quick interchanges.
Goals from Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane and Soufiane Bayazid sealed the win for the North African giants, who once again displayed their tournament pedigree with an organised, composed and tactically efficient performance that left the Cranes chasing shadows.
Uganda tried to soak up the pressure and hit on the counter through Patrick Kakande and Jude Ssemugabi, but failed to create clear-cut chances.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Algeria’s captain Ayoub Ghezala rose unmarked to nod home from a corner kick, punishing the Cranes for a lapse in defensive concentration.
Uganda’s attempts to respond before the break were blunted by Algeria’s disciplined defending.
The second half saw the hosts briefly show attacking intent, with Allan Okello and Kizito Mugweri combining well, but their efforts lacked the cutting edge to trouble goalkeeper Ahmed Toufik.
The introduction of Abdul‑Karim Watambala was meant to bolster midfield control, yet Algeria’s composure proved decisive.
In the 76th minute, Meziane Abderrahmane doubled Algeria’s lead, finishing a flowing move with precision.
The result marks Algeria’s third consecutive win over Uganda at CHAN, extending their unbeaten group stage record in the competition to seven matches.
Three minutes later, substitute Soufiane Beyazid sealed the win with a cool finish, capping a ruthless attacking display from the Desert Foxes.
Uganda’s frustration boiled over with yellow cards to Emmanuel Anyama and Joel Sserunjogi, further disrupting their rhythm.
With only one shot on target all game, the Cranes were left to rue missed opportunities and lapses in concentration.
The defeat not only dents Uganda’s hopes of progressing but also rules them out of the promised exclusive reward package from President Yoweri Museveni for a strong tournament start.
Elsewhere in Group C, Guinea edged Niger 1–0 courtesy of a Mohammed Bangoura strike, leaving Algeria top of the standings after matchday one.
Algeria’s record speaks volumes
The result extended Algeria’s remarkable CHAN record—now 10 clean sheets in 13 matches.
They have gone 712 minutes without conceding a goal in open play in the competition, with their last such concession coming in the 2011 third-place match against Sudan.
With key players like Meziane and Mahious firing and a system built on structure and game management, Algeria look well-positioned to challenge for the title they narrowly missed in 2022.
What next for Uganda Cranes?
Uganda will hope to bounce back in their second Group C match against South Africa, while Algeria face Niger next and could seal early qualification with another victory.
As CHAN PAMOJA 2024 unfolds, Algeria’s statement win in Kampala could be the benchmark against which the rest of Group C measures itself.
CHAN 2024 action continues on Tuesday with Group D encounters: Congo face Sudan at Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium, while Nigeria takes on Senegal in a highly anticipated clash at the same venue.
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