Africa-Press – Uganda. Algeria delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Uganda in the opening Group C match of the African Nations Championship (Chan) on Monday night, silencing a near-capacity Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The North African giants showed their class from the outset, breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute through MC Alger defender Ayoub Ghezala, who slotted past Joel Mutakubwa in goal.
The Cranes flattered to deceive into the break but returned from the recess hoping more for half chances than anything as their lack of tactical nous exposed their game in the final third.
But CR Belouizdad forward Abderrahmane Meziane Bentahar doubled Algeria’s advantage with a clinical Mahrez-like strike that left the despairing home fans heading for the exit prematurely and the Cranes chasing shadows under the Namboole floodlights.
The misery was compounded even before some of the exiting fans had reached the exit as substitute Soufiane Bayazid, also of MC Alger, scored a third goal, effectively sealing the contest and handing Uganda a bitter start to their seventh appearance at the Chan finals.
Uganda, under the guidance of Morley Byekwaso instead of head coach Paul Put, failed to string together consistent attacking play, as Algeria dominated possession and dictated the tempo throughout.
With the win, Algeria go top of Group C after Guinea narrowly edged Niger 1-0 in the earlier match.
Uganda now face a crunch clash against Guinea on Friday to keep their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage alive—something they have yet to achieve in any of their previous six Chan appearances.
The Cranes will then take on South Africa and Niger in their final two group matches as they attempt to revive their tournament campaign on home soil.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
