Fans have been visibly left disappointed as Algeria cruised to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Uganda Cranes at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole this evening.
The Cranes started the match on a promising note, matching the North African giants stride for stride in the early stages.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with deafening cheers from the home crowd — until the 36th minute, when Algeria’s captain and defender, Ayoub Ghezala, broke the deadlock with a header from a corner kick.
Uganda pushed to find a response but struggled with decision-making, particularly in the final third, where panic seemed to set in.
After the break, the Cranes returned with renewed energy and attempted to take the game to Algeria. However, the Desert Foxes held firm defensively and absorbed the pressure.
Algeria gradually regained control and began to pose real threats. It was no surprise when they doubled their lead through Abderrahmane Meziane Bentahar in the 76th minute, followed quickly by a third from Soufiane Bayazid in the 79th minute.
The result understandably deflated the mood in the stadium.
The Uganda Cranes will now shift focus to their second group match against Guinea on Friday.
