Cranes Eye Historic Chan Breakthrough in Opener Against Algeria
Chan Finals – Namboole Stadium
Group C
- Niger v Guinea – 5pm
- Uganda v Algeria – 8pm
Uganda Cranes will launch their quest to finally break the group stage barrier at the African Nations Championship (Chan) tonight when they take on continental heavyweights Algeria in a high-stakes Group C clash at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Kick-off is at 8pm local time, and with Uganda co-hosting Chan for the first time, anticipation is running high for a breakthrough performance on home turf.
This is Uganda’s seventh consecutive Chan appearance, but the Cranes have never progressed beyond the group stage since debuting in 2011.
Coach Morley Byekwaso will be looking to rewrite that history against one of the continent’s most formidable sides.
Algeria, runners-up in the previous edition held in 2022, come into the match as tournament favourites.
The Desert Foxes boast a squad filled with players from top-tier domestic clubs and a rich pedigree in North African football.
Uganda, however, hope to tap into the energy of a home crowd and put years of near-misses behind them. The match marks a pivotal moment for a team seeking redemption and regional pride.
“This is our chance to make history,” said Cranes captain Allan Okello. “As captain and a player, I feel the responsibility. We need to secure a good result. We want to play as a team and show our commitment. Algeria have skilful and quality players. I believe we are ready to give our best.”
Okello called on fans to turn up in large numbers: “We are ready and come into the game thinking about three points. We need to win behind our fans and hopefully, they will be here to cheer us on.”
Uganda’s Chan track record has been grim. The Cranes have played six previous editions but never made it out of the group stage.
In tournament openers, they have managed just one win—against Burkina Faso in 2014—alongside three draws and two losses, including a 2–0 defeat to Algeria in 2011.
North African teams have particularly haunted the Cranes. Uganda has suffered CHAN defeats to Algeria, and twice to Morocco, underlining the challenge that lies ahead.
Group C, which also features Niger and South Africa, is regarded as one of the most competitive in the tournament. Every point will matter, and Uganda must approach each fixture with tactical discipline and resilience.
First off at Namboole today, Niger will take on Guinea in the group’s opening fixture. Both sides will be eager to claim early momentum in what promises to be a closely contested pool.
Kenya, Morocco Start Strong in Group A
Sunday’s action saw CHAN debutants Kenya record a stunning 1–0 win over two-time champions DR Congo at a packed Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.
Austin Odhiambo’s first-half strike secured a memorable result for the hosts.
Defending champions Morocco also kicked off their campaign in style, defeating Angola 2–0, while Madagascar and Mauritania settled for a cautious 0–0 draw in the day’s final match.
With the spotlight now shifting to Namboole, Uganda’s opening clash against Algeria will be more than just a match—it will be a test of belief, ambition, and whether the Cranes can finally soar past the barriers that have held them back for over a decade.
