The Uganda Cranes fell 3-0 to Algeria in the 2024 African Nations Championship opener played at the Mandela National stadium in Namboole on Monday, 4th August 2025.
Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane Ben and Soufiane Bayazid scored for Algeria.
The desert foxes took a 1-0 lead in the first half through their skipper Ayoub Ghezala with a powerful low shot that found the back of the net in the 36th minutes of the game.
Algeria returned in the second half ruthless with two goals from Abderrahmane Meziane Ben and Soufiane Bayazid to claim all the maximum points on the day.
Abderrahmane Meziane doubled Algeria’s lead in the 76th minute with a brilliant tap in across from right wing. The substitute Soufiane Bayazid finished the job in the 79th minute with the third goal.
Abderrahmane Meziane was named the total man of the match with his impressive performance on the night.
Uganda Crane’s will return in action on Friday 8th 2025 against Guinea while Algeria will face off south Africa at Mandela National stadium.
Uganda Crane’s Starting Lineup against Algeria
GK Joel Mutakubwa, Anold Odong, Gideon Odongo,Jude Ssemugabi, Patrick Kakande, Rogers Ochaki Torach, Emmanuel Anyama, Allan Okello, Kizito Gavin Mugweri, Joel Sserunjogi, Enock Ssebagala
Algeria Starting Lineup against Uganda Cranes
GK Zakaria Bouhalfaya, Adem Alilet , Messala Merbah, Abdennour Iheb Belhocini, Zakaria Draoui, Abderrahmane Meziane, Mohammed Reda Halaimia, Bilel Boukerchaoui, Aimen Mahious, Ayoub Ghezala (C), Ilyes Cheti
