Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso has admitted that the heavy 3-0 loss to Algeria in their CHAN 2024 Group C opener on Monday, August 4, 2025, was largely due to nerves and tactical shortcomings.

The hosts struggled from the outset, conceding early and never recovering as the Desert Scorpions took control of the game with precise attacking play and solid organisation at Uganda’s backyard, Mandela National Stadium.

“We came in to give our best, but we failed in our defensive block and paid the price,” Byekwaso is quoted by CAFonline.

He also pointed to the psychological state of his players, saying Cranes could not contain the pressure coming from the pacy North African giants on Monday evening.

“The team was anxious. We couldn’t launch transitions, and the pressure was a decisive factor in the loss.”

Uganda outclassed

Algeria’s Ayoub Ghezala opened the scoring from a set-piece, before Abderrahmane Meziane and Soufiane Bayazid added two more goals to seal a dominant win. Uganda’s limited attacking spells failed to yield results, and their vulnerability in defense remained evident throughout.

Reflecting on the team’s overall display, Byekwaso admitted that the early setback derailed their game plan: “After the first goal, we collapsed emotionally. We missed chances, lost the ball cheaply, and failed to manage the game.”

Still, the tactician remains hopeful and believes in the potential of his players ahead of the next assignment in Group C: “I believe we have good players. Now we must recover mentally, accept our mistakes, and work to improve before the next game.”

He pointed out significant deficiencies in key areas such as midfield structure, control in aerial contests, and transition play. Despite Uganda’s height advantage, they were frequently second-best in the air.

“The midfield lacked control, and we were too stretched. We need to tighten up and keep things simple,” he explained.

With two group matches remaining, Byekwaso is optimistic that his side can still progress, but only if improvements are made swiftly. “We’ll talk to the players. We need more control of the game and must strengthen the midfield. We still have two matches to show our real character,” he added.

Uganda now heads into a make-or-break fixture, needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive. Meanwhile, Algeria, with three points already secured, sit comfortably at the top of the group.