The Uganda Cranes are set to commence their TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 journey with a highly anticipated clash against the formidable Desert Foxes of Algeria. The crucial Group C encounter is scheduled for Monday at 8:00 PM at the iconic Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, marking the start of a campaign where the Cranes aim to break a long-standing group stage jinx in front of their home crowd.

Co-hosting this edition alongside Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda carries the weight of history, having never progressed beyond the group stages in their six previous CHAN appearances. Placed in a challenging ‘Group of Death’ alongside powerhouses South Africa, Guinea, and Niger, their opening fixture against Algeria is a crucial test, especially considering a 2-0 defeat to the same opponents in the 2011 CHAN.

Despite the daunting task, Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso exuded confidence during the final pre-match briefing. “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 for us to be on the safe side,” Byekwaso stated, emphasizing the importance of a strong opening.

He further assured fans that the squad is fully fit and mentally charged, adding, “The good thing is we don’t have injuries, and every player is willing to play off their hearts in front of our fans.”

Adding to the team’s resolve, skipper Allan Okello, set to make his maiden CHAN debut, spoke of the collective responsibility needed on the pitch and the hunger within the squad to break new ground.

“Being a leader is a blessing from God; however, on the pitch, everyone must be a leader to know what should be done. We are more than ready; we need to give it our best. Every player wants to make history for the first time, so everyone will give their best,” Okello affirmed.

Okello drew valuable lessons from their most recent clash with Algeria, a narrow 2-1 loss in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Namboole. “We played them in the World Cup qualifiers and lost, but we learned from our mistakes, so there’s no room for other mistakes. We need to make history in front of our fans, so we are prepared.”

He passionately urged supporters to fill Namboole, recognizing their immense impact: “You can get tired for some minutes, but when you hear voices behind you, you push on. So, we need fans to fill up Namboole tomorrow and in all the upcoming games; we can make history together.”

Meanwhile, Algeria head coach Madjid Bougherra acknowledged Uganda’s hospitality but maintained his side’s readiness for the challenge. “I thank Uganda for the reception. The country is peaceful. We are ready to face Uganda. We know what it means playing with your fans home, but we are prepared for it,” Bougherra remarked.

He anticipates a tough encounter, stating, “We expect a tough game. We know Uganda will do anything to make their fans proud. It’s a good game to start with — when you win it, it puts you there as a competitor of the championship.”

Bougherra, however, sought to shift the psychological burden onto the hosts, concluding, “We need to take it game by game. It’s a different competition as teams change, so everyone starts as a favorite. We want to go as far as possible. The pressure is on Uganda as they are home, not us.”

The most recent clash between these two nations was indeed the aforementioned 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, where Uganda succumbed to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Namboole, with Travis Mutyaba securing Uganda’s sole goal.

As the Cranes prepare to step onto their home turf, the blend of historical aspiration, a challenging group, and palpable determination from both players and coaching staff sets the stage for a thrilling tournament opener. All eyes will be on Namboole as Uganda seeks to write a new chapter in its CHAN history.

Full Uganda Cranes Squad – CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers:

• Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)
• Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
• Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders:

• Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
• Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
• Gideon Odong (NEC FC)
• Herbert Achai (KCCA FC)
• Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
• Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)
• Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
• Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)

Midfielders:

• Joseph Youngman Marvin (Vipers SC)
• Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa)
• Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
• Allan Okello (KCCA FC)
• Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
• Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC)
• Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)

Forwards:

• Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
• Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)
• Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC)
• Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC)
• Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
• Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
• Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)