Algeria shattered event data and reignited their continental dream with a ruthless 3-0 dismantling of hosts Uganda on Tuesday night time, kicking off their 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) marketing campaign in record-breaking type.
In entrance of a shocked dwelling crowd on the Mandela Nationwide Stadium in Kampala, the Fennecs placed on a masterclass in effectivity and tactical self-discipline, extending their unbeaten CHAN run to seven matches and astonishingly stretching their clear sheet streak to 712 minutes — the longest within the historical past of the competitors.
The commanding victory — due to targets from captain Ayoub Ghazala, Rahmane Meziane and Sofiane Bayazid — despatched a chilling message to the remainder of the continent: Algeria are again, and this time, they intend to complete the job they narrowly missed out on within the final version.
Redemption Mission Begins with a Roar
For head coach Madjid Bougherra, this was extra than simply three factors. It was step one towards redemption after Algeria’s heartbreaking loss to Senegal within the 2022 CHAN last on dwelling soil — a defeat sealed by penalties after a goalless draw.
“We got here right here with one purpose: to carry the trophy dwelling,” mentioned Bougherra.
“The gamers executed the plan brilliantly. It wasn’t a straightforward match — Uganda had the followers behind them — however our workforce stayed calm, organised, and targeted.”
What makes this end result much more important is that Algeria turned the primary aspect in CHAN historical past to maintain seven consecutive clear sheets, surpassing their very own earlier run of six set within the 2022 event.
The final time Algeria conceded on this competitors was again in 2011, towards Sudan — a staggering 14 years in the past.
Meziane Reaches CHAN Milestone as New Stars Emerge
Winger Rahmane Meziane continued his love affair with CHAN soccer by netting his seventh profession purpose within the event — placing him inside touching distance of teammate Aymen Mahious’ file nine-goal tally.
“I misplaced a tooth at present, nevertheless it was price it,” joked Meziane, who was named Participant of the Match by event sponsors TotalEnergies.
“Each purpose, each match, means one thing particular. We’re constructing momentum.”
However the headlines weren’t simply in regards to the veterans. 22-year-old Bilal Boukershaoui, making his CHAN debut, dazzled followers and pundits alike together with his maturity and power, whereas Adam Alilet was a rock on the again, reinforcing Algeria’s rising popularity as one of the best defensive unit in African soccer.
Uganda Left Looking for Solutions
The end result left Uganda shell-shocked. Backed by a raucous dwelling crowd and brimming with optimism, the Cranes have been second-best all through and now face a frightening path to qualification in a extremely aggressive Group C.
“We struggled to seek out rhythm,” admitted Uganda coach Charles Lukwago.
“They have been higher in each division. However we’ll regroup and are available again stronger.”
Bougherra’s Algeria Eye Historical past
With solely their third participation in CHAN (after 2011 and 2022), Algeria have made no secret of their ambition to lastly elevate the trophy.
Of their first look in 2011, they reached the semi-finals. In 2022, they have been runners-up. Now, in 2024, something lower than gold will likely be seen as a missed alternative.
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“That is only the start,” Bougherra mentioned. “The actual work begins now.”
Algeria’s journey continues of their subsequent group match, however their efficiency in Kampala will reside lengthy within the reminiscence — not only for the scoreline, however for the data damaged and the intent proven.
If that is how Algeria start, the remainder of Africa has each cause to be on alert.
🟢 CHAN 2024 – Algeria’s Historic Streaks So Far:
✅ 7 consecutive CHAN matches unbeaten (2022-2025) 🧤 712 minutes with out conceding a purpose in CHAN ⚽ Meziane now on 7 CHAN targets (2 behind record-holder Mahious) 🌍 Solely third CHAN participation – however already with 2 semi-finals and 1 last 🧱 Clear sheets in all group stage matches in final two editions
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