CHAN 2024 | Monday Results
- Uganda 0-3 Algeria
- Niger 0-1 Guinea
Uganda Cranes suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Algeria in the Africa Nations Championship encounter at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.
It was a slow start from both sides as they preferred to build from the back.
Abdennour Belhocini and Zakaria Draoui combined well on the right flank asking Uganda’s backline several questions.
Uganda Cranes appeared anxious from onset, struggling with cordination in the midfield thanks to Algeria’s early pressure.
The Cranes, however, started to grow in momentum and confidence with Joel Sserunjogi dictating play, though their brilliant phase hardly yielded.
Ayoub Ghezala broke the deadlock in the 35th minute to place Algeria in the driving seat. Uganda’s backline slept on job and the Desert Foxes were alert to grab the chance.
Morley Byekwaso was quick to respond, introducing Karim Watambala for Jude Ssemugabi at the start of the second stanza.
Uganda had an impressive start in the second half as Allan Okello was sent to the flank and Watambala added more pace in the middle of the park.
Watambala nearly found an equaliser Uganda but his venomous effort went inches wide of the frame in the 63rd minute.
Meziane Abderrahmane doubled Algeria’s lead with a powerful effort, the arrowing slightly inside the frame in the 76th minute.
Left back Odong was exposed once again as he failed to make contact with an aerial ball before the Desert Foxes broke away.
Second-half substitute Soufine Beyazid calmly slotted the ball into an empty net in the 79th minute to make it three after catching the Cranes in possesion.
Uganda made several changes but none had a reasonable impact on the game.
Uganda return to action on Friday, August 8 as they take on Guinea which won their opening game against Niger.
How many chances did the Cranes create?
Did the coaches get good scouting reports on Algeria or any of their group opponents?
It’s early days. Hopefully the team can bounce back.