By David Mwanje
The Uganda Cranes, ranked 88th in the FIFA World Rankings, suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Algeria (ranked 37th) in their opening Group C match of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at Mandela National Stadium. The loss, witnessed by a passionate home crowd, exposed tactical and mental frailties that threaten Uganda’s dream of breaking their group-stage curse in their seventh consecutive CHAN appearance. With two matches remaining, the Cranes face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Before the match, Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso and captain Allan Okello radiated confidence, banking on home support to overcome their historical struggles. “Playing in front of our supporters gives us confidence, and we are determined not to let them down,” Byekwaso declared. Okello, who once played in Algeria with AC Paradou, echoed this sentiment, promising, “As captain, I feel the responsibility. We need to secure a good result and show our commitment.” Yet, these pledges unraveled as Algeria’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing overwhelmed the hosts.
The first goal arrived in the 36th minute, exposing Uganda’s vulnerability at set-pieces. A well-delivered corner from Abderrahmane Meziane found midfielder Ayoub Ghezala at the near post. Ghezala’s glancing header beat goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, who was caught flat-footed, giving Algeria a deserved 1-0 lead. Uganda’s response was spirited but toothless, with long-range efforts from Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande thwarted by Algeria’s goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya, who made a crucial save in first-half stoppage time.
The second half saw Uganda push forward, but their desperation left gaps. In the 76th minute, Algeria capitalized on a swift counterattack. Messalla Merbah’s clever lay-off found Meziane, who shimmied past a defender and slotted a cool left-footed finish past Mutakubwa to make it 2-0. Three minutes later, the rout was complete. Substitute Soufiane Bayazid sealed the 3-0 scoreline, dummying Mutakubwa after a precise pass from Naoufel Khacef and rolling the ball into an empty net. The goals highlighted Algeria’s ruthless efficiency and Uganda’s defensive lapses, as Byekwaso later admitted: “We failed in our defensive block and paid the price.”
The defeat cost Uganda more than pride. President Yoweri Museveni had promised the team 1.2 billion Ugandan shillings (approximately $330,000) per match won, a hefty incentive meant to spur the Cranes to glory. The loss meant the players missed out on this lucrative bonus, adding financial sting to their on-field disappointment. Fans, initially buoyant, grew frustrated, with some even cheering Algeria by the end, per reports from Tuko.co.ke.
Social media reactions on X captured the mood. @CAF_Online (18.5K likes) posted, “Algeria’s dominant display earns them a 3-0 win over hosts Uganda! ⚽️🇩🇿,” underscoring the visitors’ superiority. @UgandaCranesFan (12.3K likes) lamented, “Heartbreaking night at Namboole. We believed, but Algeria was just too good. Time to regroup!” Meanwhile, @AfricaFooty (9.8K likes) noted, “Uganda’s group-stage curse continues. Can they bounce back?” A critical tone emerged from @SportsVibeUG (7.6K likes): “Cranes looked lost out there. Byekwaso needs to fix the midfield ASAP.” Finally, @Football256 (6.2K likes) urged, “No time to panic. Two games left, let’s see the real Cranes!”
Byekwaso acknowledged the pressure and anxiety that crippled his side, particularly in midfield and aerial duels. “The team was anxious. We couldn’t launch transitions, and the pressure was a decisive factor,” he said. With Niger and South Africa next in Group C, where only two teams advance, Uganda must address their defensive frailties and midfield disarray. Byekwaso remains defiant: “We still have two matches to show our real character.”
The Cranes’ CHAN aspirations hang by a thread. A squad boasting talents like 18-year-old winger Travis Mutyaba and centre-back Gift Fred must channel their potential to avoid another early exit. For Uganda, co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, the home crowd’s energy could still be a catalyst if they can overcome the mental scars of this sobering defeat.
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