Algeria kicked off their CHAN PAMOJA 2024 campaign in dominant fashion, defeating hosts Uganda 3-0 at a full-capacity Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Monday evening.
Goals from Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid secured a convincing win for the North African side, who demonstrated tactical discipline, technical quality, and tournament experience throughout the encounter.
The result continues Algeria’s strong record at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, marking their third straight victory over Uganda in the competition and extending their group stage unbeaten streak to seven matches.
Uganda started with energy, backed by a vocal home crowd, but Algeria’s organization soon took control. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Meziane’s corner found Ghezala, whose glancing header beat goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa at the near post.
Uganda tried to respond with long-range efforts from Joel Sserunjogi and Patrick Kakande, but Algerian keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya stood firm, notably denying Kakande in first-half stoppage time.
Despite Uganda showing more urgency after the break, Algeria’s compact shape and quick transitions created problems for the Cranes in the second half.
In the 76th minute, Meziane doubled the lead with a composed left-footed finish after a neat lay-off from Messalla Merbah. Moments later, Bayazid added a third, finishing off a well-constructed move involving Naoufel Khacef.
The two quick goals sealed the game, punishing Uganda for their defensive lapses and highlighting Algeria’s clinical edge.
Although the scoreline was one-sided, Uganda had their chances. Midfielder Karim Watambala attempted two long-range efforts, and defender Gavin Kizito forced a fine save from Bouhalfaya with a strong header just past the hour mark.
Substitutes Yunus Sentamu and Reagan Mpande injected fresh momentum late on, but the Algerian defence—led by Adem Alilet and Ilyés Chétti—maintained control.
Uganda’s frustration was capped in stoppage time when substitute Shafik Kwikiriza received a yellow card.
Algeria’s clean sheet extends their impressive CHAN record. They have now kept 10 clean sheets in their last 13 matches and gone over 700 minutes without conceding a goal in open play—dating back to the 2011 third-place match against Sudan.
Led by key players such as Meziane and Bayazid, Algeria appear poised to challenge for the CHAN 2024 title after narrowly missing out in 2022.
Uganda faces South Africa in their next Group C match as they look to recover from the opening defeat. Algeria will take on Niger, with a second win potentially securing early qualification to the knockout stage.
With the CHAN PAMOJA 2024 tournament still in its early stages, Algeria’s commanding performance sets a high standard for the competition.
