Uganda Cranes coach Byekwaso says pressure and anxiety cost them against Algeria

Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso admitted his side buckled under pressure as they fell to a humbling 3–0 defeat to Algeria in front of their home fans in the opening Group C match of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024.

The Cranes were outclassed from the outset, conceding three goals and struggling to cope with Algeria’s sharp attacking play and compact structure during Monday’s game.

For Byekwaso, the performance revealed both mental and tactical shortcomings. “We came in to give our best, but we failed in our defensive block and paid the price,” he said after the final whistle.

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

Uganda’s defensive organisation crumbled early, with Ayoub Ghezala scoring from a set-piece. Further goals from Abderrahmane Meziane and Soufiane Bayazid compounded the Cranes’ misery.

Despite a few promising moves, Uganda failed to convert their chances or match Algeria’s technical discipline.  “After the first goal, we collapsed emotionally. We missed chances, lost the ball cheaply, and failed to manage the game,” Byekwaso admitted.

“I believe we have good players. Now we must recover mentally, accept our mistakes, and work to improve before the next game.” The coach acknowledged glaring issues, particularly in transition, aerial duels, and midfield control.

Despite having a tall squad, Uganda lost most headers and struggled to retain possession under pressure. “The midfield lacked control, and we were too stretched. We need to tighten up and keep things simple,” he explained.

Still, Byekwaso insists the tournament is not over for his team. With two games left in the group stage, he believes Uganda can still qualify — but only if they correct their flaws quickly.

“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 said.

Uganda face a critical second match as they try to rescue their CHAN campaign. While Algeria enjoy the comfort of three early points, the hosts must regroup and respond — or risk an early exit in front of their home fans.

Meanwhile, Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra credited his side’s tactical discipline and superior preparation for their 3–0 demolition of hosts Uganda in the opening Group C match of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 in Kampala.

Playing in front of a hostile crowd at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Bougherra’s men silenced the home supporters with a well-orchestrated performance marked by controlled possession, clinical finishing, and a dynamic attacking trio.

“It was a good win. The result reflects the work this group has put in. It wasn’t easy — we were playing away, under pressure — but we dominated technically and tactically,” Bougherra told journalists after the match.

Algeria’s opening goal came through Ayoub Ghezala’s header, before Abderrahmane Meziane doubled the advantage with a slick finish.

Soufiane Bayazid rounded off the scoring, capping a display that confirmed Algeria’s status as one of the tournament’s top contenders.

The statistics underscored their superiority: 55% possession, 443 completed passes, 81% pass accuracy, and five shots on target. More crucially, Algeria didn’t receive a single card while Uganda picked up three — a testament to the visitors’ composure.

“The difference was in the tactical approach,” Bougherra explained. “The early end of our domestic league gave us more time to prepare. That allowed us to build cohesion in our system and work on match scenarios.”

Abderrahmane Meziane, who was named TotalEneriges Man of the Match for his goal and assist, led the offensive line with intelligence and pace, while Belhocini and Mahious kept the Ugandan defence pinned back with sharp movement.