Uganda’s national home-based team, the Cranes, are set to begin their TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 campaign with a high-stakes opener against Algeria at the newly renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday at 8:00 PM.
With Uganda co-hosting the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, expectations are sky-high for a Cranes side seeking to finally advance beyond the group stages—a feat they have never achieved in six previous CHAN appearances.
Group of Death Pressure
Drawn in a challenging Group C with Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger, the Cranes face an immediate test of their mettle. The clash against Algeria is a repeat of their 2011 group stage encounter, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Uganda.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, head coach Morley Byekwaso remained optimistic:
“The boys must have a serious mentality; we are home playing our first game, and it’s very tricky. Our group is a group of death, but we need to have a good start to be on the safe side.”
Byekwaso confirmed a clean bill of health for the squad and emphasized the players’ mental readiness to deliver in front of home fans.
Leadership and Hunger to Make History
Captain Allan Okello, who is making his debut at CHAN, stressed the need for shared leadership and composure:
“Everyone must be a leader to know what should be done. Every player wants to make history for the first time, so everyone will give their best.”
Reflecting on their recent 2-1 World Cup qualifier loss to Algeria, Okello said the team has grown:
“We learned from our mistakes, so there’s no room for other mistakes. We need to make history in front of our fans.”
He also rallied fans to pack the stadium:
“When you hear voices behind you, you push on. We need fans to fill up Namboole; we can make history together.”
Algeria Not Intimidated by Host Status
Algeria’s head coach Madjid Bougherra praised Uganda’s hospitality but made it clear his side won’t be daunted:
“We are ready to face Uganda. We know what it means playing with your fans at home, but we are prepared.”
Bougherra emphasized the psychological pressure lies with Uganda:
“Everyone starts as a favorite. We want to go far. The pressure is on Uganda—they are home.”
Uganda Squad Overview
The Cranes squad features a mix of youth and experience, with key players from local powerhouses like Vipers SC, KCCA FC, and SC Villa.
Full Squad:
• Goalkeepers: Denis Kiggundu, Joel Mutakubwa, Chrispas Kusiima
• Defenders: Arnold Odong, Nicholas Mwere, Gideon Odong, Herbert Achai, Rogers Torach, Lazaro Muhindo, Hilary Mukundane, Kizito Gavin
• Midfielders: Joseph Youngman Marvin, Elvis Ngonde, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Allan Okello, Joel Sserunjogi, Enock Ssebagala, Abdu Karim Watambala
• Forwards: Jude Ssemugabi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Arafat Kiza Usama, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Reagan Mpande, Emmanuel Anyama, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza
