Uganda head coach Morley Byekwaso says his team will draw strength from the home crowd as they launch their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign with a high-stakes clash against Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium on Monday.
The fixture headlines Group C, one of the tournament’s toughest pools, which also features Niger and South Africa.
For Uganda, making a record seventh consecutive CHAN appearance, this is more than just an opening match—it’s a chance to finally break their group-stage curse and aim for a deep run in the tournament.
“Playing in front of our supporters gives us confidence, and we are determined not to let them down,” Byekwaso said. “We have no injuries, everyone is available, and we will give our best in each match.”
History to Overcome
Despite their consistency in qualifying since 2011, the Cranes have never made it past the group stage. Their opening match record stands at one win, two losses, and three draws—with the only victory coming against Burkina Faso in 2014.
This will be Uganda’s fourth CHAN meeting with North African opposition, and history hasn’t been kind:
- 2011: Lost 2-0 to Algeria
- 2014: Lost 3-1 to Morocco
- 2020: Lost 5-2 to Morocco
Captain Allan Okello is determined to change that narrative.
“We feel the responsibility. Algeria have quality players, but we want to show our commitment and secure a good result,” Okello said.
With young talent like Travis Mutyaba and defensive rock Gift Fred, plus the guidance of legendary former goalkeeper Dennis Onyango on the coaching bench, Uganda believe they can rise to the challenge.
Algeria: Calm, Disciplined, and Dangerous
Algeria come into Kampala as one of the favourites, having reached the CHAN 2022 final without conceding a goal.
Coach Madjid Bougherra retains much of that squad, including top scorer Aimen Mahious and captain Zineddine Belaïd, alongside new local stars.
“The pressure is on Uganda as hosts, but we are here to compete at the highest level,” Bougherra said.
The North Africans’ strengths lie in organisation, possession control, and tactical discipline, with Ahmed Kendouci pulling the strings in midfield and Mahious posing a constant goal threat.
Past Meetings & Records
This is the second CHAN meeting between the sides, their first being in 2011 when Algeria won 2-0 in Khartoum. Since then, Algeria have beaten Uganda in both AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Their CHAN record speaks volumes:
- 12 matches, only 1 loss in open play (Sudan, 2011)
- 9 clean sheets
- 14 goals scored
At the 2022 edition, Algeria won all three group games 1-0, beat Ivory Coast and Niger in the knockouts, and narrowly lost to Senegal on penalties in the final.
Tactical Battle Ahead
- Uganda: Likely to sit compact, defend deep, and hit on the counter through Mutyaba’s pace.
- Algeria: Expected to dominate possession, control tempo, and exploit spaces with creative play.
Set-pieces, composure, and defensive concentration could be decisive in what’s expected to be a tight, tactical battle.
What’s at Stake
In a competitive Group C, a winning start is crucial. With Niger and South Africa waiting, early points could define the campaign.
Home support will be Uganda’s biggest weapon, while Algeria’s experience and tournament pedigree could tilt the balance.