CHAN 2024: Byekwaso admits Uganda were outclassed by Algeria

CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024

Pamoja (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda)

August 2-30

Group C

Monday Results 

Uganda 0 Algeria 3

Niger 0 Guinea 1

Friday

South Africa v Algeria 5pm

Guinea v Uganda 8pm

Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso has conceded that his team were outclassed by a technically superior Algeria side, who handed them a 3-0 defeat on Monday night at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in their CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group C opener.

“Algeria were better than us. They have quality players who are technically gifted, intelligent on the ball, and well-drilled tactically,” Byekwaso admitted in a post-match interview on Monday.

The Cranes, who now sit at the bottom of Group C with no point and a goal difference of -3, must bounce back quickly. Their next match, a must-win clash against Guinea on Friday, will be crucial in keeping their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

Byekwaso promised a strong response from his team, having identified areas that need urgent improvement.

“We are still lacking in the final third. The connection between our midfield and forwards is not there. As you could see today, our strikers were isolated and struggled to link up with the midfield. Even when we attacked, we did not trouble the opponent. That must improve,” he said.

“We have identified our mistakes, and we have learned from them. Expect a better and improved performance in the next game.”

Before a hopeful home crowd, the Cranes were both tactically and physically outplayed, with Byekwaso’s team selection facing scrutiny. Algeria took full advantage, dominating proceedings from start to finish.

Algerian captain Ayoub Ghezala opened the scoring in the 35th minute, heading in unmarked from a well-delivered corner. Abderrahmane Meziane and Soufiane Bayazid added two more goals in the 75th and 78th minutes, respectively, finishing off swift counter-attacks that left Uganda’s defence exposed.

Monday’s loss also meant the Cranes missed out on a hefty performance bonus of sh1.2b promised by President Yoweri Museveni for every win in the CHAN 2024 tournament.

The result compounded Uganda’s woes, as they became the first co-host nation to lose an opening match at this year’s tournament. Fellow co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania each started their campaigns with victories.

Guinea, Uganda’s next opponent, began their tournament with a 1-0 win over Niger and currently share top spot in Group C with Algeria on three points. South Africa, the fourth team in the group, will begin their campaign on Friday against Algeria.