The Uganda Cranes have began their CHAN 2024 campaign with a tough 3–0 loss to Algeria in their opening match, held at Namboole Stadium. Despite the setback, the team still has three group matches to go—and a major financial incentive from the president.
Algeria’s goals came from:
- A. Ghezala (36′)
- A. Meziane (76′)
- S. Bayazid (79′)
Uganda’s next match will be against Guinea, a key opportunity to get back on track in the five-team group.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni has promised the Cranes a UGX 1.2 billion reward (USD 312,000) for every win in the tournament, a pledge that still stands as Uganda seeks redemption.
Elsewhere in the tournament, co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania made winning starts Kenya defeated DR Congo 1–0, and Tanzania beat Burkina Faso 2–0 in the opening match in Dar es Salaam.
With CHAN 2024 being co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania for the first time in history, East Africa is at the center of African football. Uganda now turns its focus to Guinea, knowing a win would reignite their campaign and activate the president’s billion-shilling promise.
