CHAN 2024: Uganda Fired Up for Algeria Clash as Byekwaso, Okello Eye History
• Niger Vs Guinea – 5PM
• Uganda Vs Algeria – 8PM
Uganda’s journey at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicks off Monday night with a high-stakes showdown against Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The Cranes aim to finally break their group-stage curse in the continental tournament and also get off to a winning start just like other co-hosts Tanzania and Kenya who pipped Burkina Faso and DR Congo by 2-0 and 1-0 wins respectively.
The Cranes, appearing in their seventh CHAN edition, have never progressed beyond the group stages. Placed in the formidable Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger, Uganda will need a strong start if they are to rewrite history.
The fixture is a repeat of their 2011 meeting in Sudan, which ended 2-0 in favor of Algeria.
Head coach Morley Byekwaso believes his charges are ready to embrace the challenge.
“The boys must have a serious mentality; playing at home in the first game is tricky, but we need a strong start to be on the safe side,” he said during the pre-match press conference.
Byekwaso added, “The good thing is we don’t have injuries. Every player is willing to give their all in front of our fans.”
Optimism
Team captain Allan Okello, making his CHAN debut, echoed the coach’s optimism and emphasized the squad’s collective hunger.
“Being a leader is a blessing, but on the pitch, everyone must be a leader. We are ready and motivated to make history. Every player wants to give their best,” Okello noted.
The skipper drew inspiration from their narrow 2-1 defeat to Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Namboole, where Travis Mutyaba scored Uganda’s only goal.
“We learned from our mistakes in that game, and we can’t afford to repeat them. Playing in front of our fans is an extra push; their voices keep us going even when fatigue sets in,” Okello added, urging supporters to pack the stands.
Niger and Guinea will face off in today’s early kickoff at Namboole stadium (5PM) before Uganda confronts Algeria infront of home fans under floodlights.
