Algeria head coach Madjid Boughera revealed that playing without pressure helped his troops secure a dominant victory against co-hosts Uganda.
Uganda Cranes suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss to a brilliant Algeria side in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.
Ayoub Ghezala headed the hosts ahead, Abderrhmane Meziane Ben Tahar scored the second before second-half substitute Soufine Bayazid made it three for the Desert Foxes.
“I told my players to go and play and enjoy the game because there is nothing to lose— no pressure,” the soft-spoken gaffer said.
“I was sure that the pressure was on Uganda since they are the home team, they had something to prove, unlike us. I am happy that my players followed the plan,” added.
Algeria’s victory sends them to the top of Group C with three points and as many goals.
Having lost to Senegal in the final of the previous CHAN tournament, the Desert Foxes aim to maintain their winning streak throughout the championship.
In the other group game, Guinea secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Niger thanks to Aboubacar Bangoura’s second-half finish.
Algeria returns to action on Friday as they take on South Africa in the early kick-off before Uganda lock horns with Algeria later on at 8 PM.
Uganda Cranes play with too much stress on themselves. You see it on the field even in recent AFCONs. The players play within themselves. I suspect this is the reason we have swashbuckling youngsters scoring goals for fun at youth level, who stop scoring when they join the senior team.
The players know one thing. How to play the game. Let them to do exactly what the Algerian coach said, and let the players have fun. They will perform.
So the media, fans, coaches and FUFA should let the lads have fun.
In this case, Algeria also, knows Uganda players as they have faced the Cranes in World Cup qualifiers. They do their due diligence and know the CHAN boys too. They probably had footage of the CHAN team playing in the mini tournament.
Train hard. Prepare well, covering all the details, including scouting. Then have fun on game day. If we do this, the players will deliver.
Also, let the local coaches keep at it. These are growing pains.