CHAN 2024: Uganda seek to break group stage jinx against Algeria
By Joel Masibo, August 4, 2025The 2024 African Nations Championship co-hosts, Uganda, will kick off their journey in the tournament on Monday, August 4, 2025 in the evening with a challenging test against North African powerhouse Algeria at Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Cranes will be seeking to advance past the group stages of CHAN for the first time in competition’s history. Placed in Group C, Uganda will also face Niger and South Africa, making every match crucial for their advancement.
Uganda’s past CHAN frustrations fuel fresh ambition
Uganda have made it to the CHAN finals a record seven times in a row since 2011, but progression beyond the group stage has always eluded them. Their opening match results offer little comfort: just one victory, three draws, and two defeats, their lone win being against Burkina Faso in 2014.
Matches against North African opponents have also been punishing, with Uganda losing all three past encounters: 2-0 to Algeria in 2011, 3-1 and 5-2 defeats to Morocco in 2014 and 2020, respectively.
Nevertheless, the Cranes are determined to alter that narrative. Team captain Allan Okello is optimistic and feels the squad is ready to compete at a higher level.
The squad features rising talents such as 18-year-old winger Travis Mutyaba and defensive leader Gift Fred, alongside experienced players from local powerhouses SC Villa and KCCA FC. Former Uganda goalkeeper Dennis Onyango also joins the technical bench, offering valuable experience to the coaching staff.
Meanwhile, Algeria stepped into Kampala with momentum and pedigree, having reached the CHAN 2022 final without conceding a goal throughout the tournament. Head coach Madjid Bougherra has maintained the nucleus of that successful team, with names like Aimen Mahious and Zineddine Belaïd returning, alongside a crop of fresh domestic talent.
Algeria’s playing style centres on discipline and tactical control. With a solid defensive setup, midfield orchestrator Ahmed Kendouci pulling the strings, and a sharp attack led by Mahious, they’ll look to dominate possession and dictate the pace.
This fixture marks the second time the two sides have met at CHAN. Their previous clash was in 2011 when Algeria triumphed 2-0. The North Africans have also dominated recent matches across AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Algeria’s CHAN resume strengthens their status as favourites. In 12 games, they’ve only suffered one loss in regular time, secured nine clean sheets, and netted 14 goals. Their 2022 campaign saw them edge all group opponents by 1-0 margins before advancing to the final, where they narrowly lost to Senegal on penalties.