Algeria sent a strong message of intent at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, dismantling co-hosts Uganda 3-0 in their Group C opener on Monday evening at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Goals from Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid sealed a dominant victory for the North African giants, who showcased their tactical discipline and tournament pedigree in front of a packed home crowd.
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The game began with Uganda buoyed by home support, but Algeria soon imposed their control. In the 36th minute, Meziane delivered a pinpoint corner to Ghezala, whose glancing header beat goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa for the opener.
Uganda responded with long-range attempts from Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande, but Algerian shot-stopper Zakaria Bouhalfaya denied them, keeping Algeria ahead at halftime.
In the second half, Uganda pushed for an equaliser but left spaces at the back. Algeria capitalised, with Meziane doubling the lead in the 76th minute after a neat lay-off from Messalla Merbah. Just three minutes later, Bayazid added the third, finishing from close range after fine build-up play from Naoufel Khacef.
Despite some late chances for Uganda, including a strong header from Gavin Kizito and shots from Karim Watambala, Algeria’s defence—marshalled by Adem Alilet and Ilyés Chétti—held firm to record their 10th clean sheet in 13 CHAN matches.
With this win, Algeria extended their unbeaten group stage run to seven matches and stretched their streak without conceding in open play to 712 minutes.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Guinea battled to a 1-0 victory over regional rivals Niger in a tense, physical encounter at the same venue.
After a cagey first half filled with midfield battles and few chances, Guinea broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart. Alhassane Bangoura’s low cross was turned in by Mohamed Bangoura II, with VAR overturning an initial offside call.
Niger pressed for an equaliser, with substitute Abdoul-Latif Goumey and Ridouane Assane coming close, but Guinea’s resolute defending and goalkeeper Ousmane Camara’s command of his area secured the three points.
With the results, Algeria top Group C on goal difference ahead of Guinea, while Uganda and Niger have early ground to make up. Algeria next face Niger and could seal early qualification with another win, while Uganda must regroup quickly for a crucial clash against South Africa.
As CHAN PAMOJA 2024 progresses, Algeria’s emphatic performance in Kampala could become the standard for the rest of the group to match.
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