Uganda Cranes fall to Algeria despite Museveni’s handsome cash reward
By Mustafa Juma, August 4, 2025It was a tough night for the Uganda Cranes as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Algeria on Monday, August 4, 2025, night, in their opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
This is despite President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s pledge to reward Uganda Cranes players with at least Ksh42 million per match won in the ongoing tournament.
The announcement was made public by Moses Hassim, President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), on his X account on Monday, August 4, 2025.
“H.E. President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni sets the bar high! The President has announced a massive winning bonus of 1.2 billion shillings per match for the team at CHAN 2024! This was announced by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim to the team. The bar has been set. It is our game; it is our country,” a statement shared via FUFA’s official X account read.
Algeria dictates the match
With a vibrant home crowd rallying behind them under the floodlights, the Cranes had hoped to make a strong start to their CHAN campaign, especially with the tournament returning to home soil.
But it was Algeria’s Desert Foxes who came out sharper, controlling the early exchanges and dictating the tempo.
Algeria showed their intent as early as the sixth minute with a quick-fire attack that tested Uganda’s defence.
Captain Kenneth Ssemakula and his backline managed to hold firm initially, weathering the early storm.
As the first half progressed, Uganda grew into the game. Winger Jude Ssemugabi made a promising run down the right and whipped in a dangerous cross, but Algeria’s defence was quick to react.
Just when the home side seemed to be settling in, a lapse in concentration cost them. In the 36th minute, Algerian captain Ayoub Ghezela rose above everyone to head in from a corner, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead going into the break.
Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso looked to shake things up in the second half, bringing on Karim Watambala for Ssemugabi.
The changes injected new energy into the team, with Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, and Watambala all creating good chances. The fans, ever hopeful, roared the team on.
Algeria capitalises on chances
But Algeria remained composed and capitalised on their chances. In the 69th minute, they made a double substitution, bringing on fresh legs. Just minutes later, Abderrahmane Meziane doubled their lead with a calm, clinical finish that left goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa stranded.
Uganda responded with their own changes — introducing Shafiq Nana Kwikiriza and Yunus Sentamu — but Algeria were not done. In the 78th minute, substitute Soufiane Bayazid rounded off Mutakubwa and calmly slotted home Algeria’s third, sealing a difficult night for the Cranes.
The defeat sees Uganda sit at the bottom of Group C, while Guinea, who edged Niger 1-0 earlier in the day, lead the group. Uganda now faces a must-win clash against Guinea on Friday, August 8, if they hope to keep their tournament hopes alive.