When Ayoub Ghezala, captain of the Algerian national team nodded in the opening goal, Algeria piled on a 3‑0 victory over hosts Uganda at Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on 3 August 2024. The match kicked off the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship Kampala, a tournament that pits only domestically‑based players against one another.
Historical backdrop to the showdown
Algeria and Uganda have crossed swords four times since 2011, and every time the North African side walked away with the win. Those four meetings produced eight goals for Algeria and just two against them, giving the Desert Foxes an impressive 2.0 points‑per‑game (PPG) record while Uganda lingered at 0.5. The rivalry may not have the flash of a World Cup clash, but for fans it’s a barometer of regional power.
Uganda, co‑hosting the championship alongside Kenya and Tanzania, hoped the home crowd could tilt the odds. The stadium, with a 45,000‑strong capacity, was buzzing with anticipation, and the Cranes were dreaming of their first ever advance beyond the group phase.
How the match unfolded
The opening half was a textbook display of Algerian discipline. In the 36th minute, Abderrahmane Meziane swung in a corner from the right. Ghezala timed his run to perfection and slipped a glancing header into the near post, beating Ugandan keeper Joel Mutakubwa. The stadium erupted, and the Cranes were suddenly chasing shadows.
Just when Uganda thought they could regroup, Meziane—who’d just supplied the assist—found space on the edge of the box and coolly slotted home his own goal five minutes later. The commentary described it as “excessive space” for the Algerian centre‑forward, and the scoreline read 2‑0 before the break.
In the second half, Soufiane Bayazid, the MC Alger forward who had already netted against Niger earlier in the tournament, entered as a substitute. Near the 82nd minute, he took a swift turn, dribbled past a defender, and hammered the ball into the net to seal the third tally. The final whistle confirmed a comfortable win, though not without drama—Algerian keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya made a fingertip save in added time to deny Patrick Kakande’s long‑range effort.
Immediate reactions from the sidelines
Algerian head coach Madjid Bougherra praised his side’s “clinical execution” but warned against complacency. “We wanted to start strong, and we did. The next games will be tougher, especially against South Africa and Guinea,” he told reporters.
Ugandan forward Patrick Kakande was more subdued: “We’re disappointed, but the crowd gave us energy. We’ll learn from this and fight for the next match.”
CAF’s spokesperson, Mamo Macauley, lauded the atmosphere, noting that “the stadium’s roar was a reminder why we host together – it’s a celebration of African football’s unity.”
Impact on Group C and the tournament trajectory
Algeria’s win placed them on three points, top of Group C with a goal‑difference advantage. The group also featured South Africa, Guinea and Niger. A 1‑1 draw against Guinea on 7 August 2024 saw Algeria finish the group with six points, second only to Uganda’s seven after they beat Niger and drew with South Africa.
Both North African and East African sides advanced to the quarter‑finals, marking Uganda’s historic first knockout appearance. Unfortunately for both, their journeys ended at the last‑eight stage, with Kenya, Tanzania, Algeria and Uganda all bowing out.
The semi‑final lineup—Senegal, Morocco, Madagascar and Sudan—highlighted the growing competitiveness of CHAN, where nations without a deep pool of overseas stars can still shine.
Why this matters for African football
CHAN 2024, branded “PAMOJA” (Swahili for “together”), showcased the benefits of co‑hosting. Facilities like the Nelson Mandela National Stadium received upgrades, and fans travelled across borders to support their teams. For Uganda, the tournament proved that home advantage can translate into tangible progress: their first ever quarter‑final berth paves the way for increased investment in local leagues.
Algeria, still unbeaten in CHAN group stages across seven matches, reinforced its reputation as the benchmark for domestic‑player development. The steady pipeline from Algerian clubs to the national side suggests that the country is likely to contend for the title again in 2026.
What’s next for the two sides?
Algeria will regroup under Bougherra’s guidance, eyeing a rematch with either Senegal or Morocco in the next edition. Their focus now is on polishing set‑piece routines – the first goal came from a corner, after all.
Uganda, led by coach Mike Mutebi, will aim to build on the momentum. The federation has hinted at expanding youth academies in Namboole and integrating more scouting networks across the country.
Key facts
- Result: Algeria 3 – 0 Uganda
- Scorers: Ayoub Ghezala (36'), Abderrahmane Meziane (41'), Soufiane Bayazid (82')
- Venue: Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Kampala (capacity 45,000)
- Attendance: Approx. 44,300 spectators
- Implication: Uganda advances to CHAN quarter‑finals for the first time
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Algeria manage to dominate Uganda in the opener?
Algeria’s tactical discipline, especially on set pieces, gave them an early edge. A well‑timed corner led to Ghezala’s header, and Meziane’s freedom in the box allowed a second strike. Their defensive organization limited Uganda’s chances, while Zakaria Bouhalfaya’s crucial save preserved the lead.
What does Uganda’s quarter‑final qualification mean for the nation?
It’s a milestone – the first time Uganda has progressed beyond the group stage in CHAN history. The achievement is likely to attract more sponsorship, boost grassroots development, and encourage the government to invest further in stadium infrastructure.
Who were the standout players of the match?
Ayoub Ghezala’s opening goal set the tone, while Abderrahmane Meziane’s versatility earned him both an assist and a goal. Soufiane Bayazid, coming off the bench, capped the win with a late finish, showcasing the depth of Algeria’s attacking options.
When and where will the next CHAN matches be played?
Group C’s final fixtures take place on 11 August 2024 at the same venue, while the knockout stage kicks off on 15 August 2024 across Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium and Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
How does CHAN differ from the Africa Cup of Nations?
CHAN is restricted to players who ply their trade in domestic leagues, whereas the Africa Cup of Nations allows any eligible African player, regardless of where they play professionally. This focus highlights local talent and gives scouts a platform to discover emerging stars.
Posts Comments
Jensen Santillan October 15, 2025 AT 01:57
Honestly, the Algerian side displayed a textbook execution that reaffirms why North Africa dominates the CHAN landscape. Their set‑piece precision was nothing short of a masterclass, while Uganda merely scrambled to keep pace. The tactical discipline you’d expect from a European league side was evident even though all players are domestically‑based. It’s a shame the hosts couldn’t leverage the home crowd noise into tangible pressure on the visitors. In the grand scheme, this match is a microcosm of the continental hierarchy that persists year after year.
Mike Laidman October 30, 2025 AT 23:16
It was a clear victory for Algeria.
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